Fresh off an impressive performance against Manchester City, Real Madrid delivered another dominant display at the Santiago Bernabéu, beating Elche 4-1 and moving within one point of La Liga leaders Barcelona. Antonio Rüdiger, Federico Valverde, Dean Huijsen and Arda Güler scored for Los Blancos, while Manuel Ángel’s own goal gave Elche their only goal of the night.
Real Madrid started aggressively, pressing high and forcing mistakes from the visitors in the opening minutes. Despite Madrid’s control, the first major chance belonged to Elche. In the sixth minute, Valera crossed from the left for André Silva, who somehow missed a clear header in front of goal. The play was later ruled offside, but it served as a warning sign for the hosts.
After that early scare, Elche briefly settled into the game and enjoyed more possession through midfield. Madrid responded in the 11th minute when Aurélien Tchouaméni fired wide after a pass from Valverde, who once again played in an advanced role following his standout performance against Manchester City. Without a natural striker available, Vinicius Jr. also drifted inside more often instead of staying wide on the left.
Midway through the first half, play was stopped after a heavy collision between Eduardo Camavinga and Sangaré. The concussion protocol was activated, allowing both teams an additional substitution. Sangaré was unable to continue, while Camavinga returned to the field after treatment.
The Bernabéu crowd grew frustrated in the 23rd minute when Fran García won the ball inside Elche’s area and went down under pressure, but the referee waved play on and awarded a goal kick. Loud boos echoed around the stadium as Madrid fans protested the decision.
The breakthrough finally came in the 38th minute. After Valverde’s free-kick effort was blocked by goalkeeper Paulo Dituro, Rüdiger reacted first to the rebound and smashed the ball into the net with a powerful finish.
Madrid doubled the lead before halftime with another outstanding goal. Valverde combined brilliantly with Brahim Díaz and Fran García before unleashing a stunning strike from outside the box into the top corner, continuing his excellent recent form.
The second half started at a high pace, and Madrid nearly scored again just minutes after the restart. Huijsen played a long ball forward to Brahim Díaz, who beat the defender but failed to finish past Dituro. Vinicius Jr. was free on the left side, but Brahim chose to shoot and sent the ball over the bar.
With the second leg against Manchester City approaching and Madrid comfortably ahead, manager Álvaro Arbeloa rotated heavily and gave several Castilla youngsters an opportunity late in the game. The changes paid off immediately. Less than two minutes after coming on, Yáñez delivered a cross from the left and Huijsen rose in the box to score Madrid’s third goal with a header.
Elche pulled one back in the 84th minute after an unfortunate own goal from Manuel Ángel. Camavinga misplaced a pass inside the area, allowing Grady Diangana to break forward. Manuel Ángel attempted to clear the cross but accidentally turned the ball into his own net.
Any hopes of a comeback disappeared moments later thanks to a moment of brilliance from Arda Güler. Spotting Dituro off his line, the young midfielder attempted an audacious shot from well before midfield and produced one of the best goals of the night as the Bernabéu erupted in celebration.
Elche still had one final opportunity in stoppage time, but Courtois made an excellent close-range save to deny André Silva and preserve Madrid’s comfortable advantage.
Real Madrid now turn their attention back to the Champions League, where they travel to the Etihad Stadium for the second leg against Manchester City. After winning the first match 3-0, Los Blancos can afford to lose by two goals and still advance to the quarterfinals.
