At the Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid delivered a convincing performance, securing a comfortable win against Elche CF. Despite expectations of an easy victory following their dominant Champions League display, the match proved more balanced early on. Both sides needed points for very different reasons—Madrid to keep pace in the title race, and Elche to escape relegation trouble. The visitors had won the first leg 2–1 at home, but struggled to replicate that form away. Meanwhile, Madrid also kept an eye on FC Barcelona, hoping their rivals would drop points against Sevilla.
Kick-off at the Bernabéu: after Real’s emphatic Champions League victory, the crowd expected another straightforward win against Sarabia’s side. Elche, for their part, had secured a 2–1 home win in the reverse fixture, but playing away could prove far more difficult for Los Franjiverdes.
Both teams were desperate for a result for different reasons: Real aimed to continue their push for the league title, while Elche were fighting to move away from the relegation zone. Arbeloa’s side also had to hope that Barcelona would not win against Sevilla, considering the Blaugrana’s five-game winning streak.
Madrid’s performance in the opening third of the match did not resemble their display against Manchester City. The visitors controlled possession, while Real struggled to find space to counterattack and create clear chances.
However, in the 39th minute, Madrid finally broke the deadlock in what had been a rather slow game. German defender Rüdiger scored the opener after Valverde’s shot had been blocked by the opposing goalkeeper.
With renewed confidence, Arbeloa’s side began to dominate, and Federico Valverde scored an outstanding goal from the edge of the box. The Uruguayan continued his unstoppable form following his recent hat-trick against City. No longer just a midfielder, the 27-year-old is proving to be a reliable goal scorer amid the team’s injury crisis.
Los Blancos came out in the second half with greater intensity, pressing higher and creating more chances.
Shortly after, Arbeloa decided to substitute Vinícius Jr., Valverde, and Tchouaméni, likely to preserve their energy for the return leg against Manchester City. The coach didn’t stop there, also replacing Rüdiger and Brahim Díaz, giving opportunities to younger talents.
One of them, 19-year-old Castilla forward Yáñez Berla, provided a perfect assist for Huijsen’s header. The Dutchman scored his second goal in La Liga, once again against Sarabia’s side.
Elche were no longer able to respond or even maintain possession, as the match had completely swung in Madrid’s favor.
A minor blemish for Real Madrid came with an own goal by Manuel Ángel, but the Bernabéu crowd remained fully supportive. Since the victory over City, the atmosphere in the stadium had clearly improved.
Finally, it was Arda Güler who sealed the match in spectacular fashion: the Turkish youngster attempted a shot from his own half, leaving the goalkeeper helpless. Even Arbeloa appeared stunned by the incredible goal he had just witnessed.
Despite numerous injuries and a squad partly composed of youth players, Real Madrid delivered an outstanding performance.
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