Real Madrid dropped two points on the road again, in yet another disappointing performance, this time against Elche. Xabi Alonso’s side is currently a shadow of themselves, winless in three consecutive
games. Their five-point lead at the top of LaLiga after their Clasico victory has been curtailed to just one.
The match began with a relatively even contest in the opening 15 minutes. By that point, Elche held a slight edge in expected threat (xT) with 0.31 compared to Real Madrid’s 0.23, and also had a marginal lead in touches in the final third, 32 to 31. However, Madrid then asserted possession. By the 30th minute, Madrid had accumulated 1.44 xT against Elche’s 0.57, and their final third touches had increased to 67, surpassing Elche’s 62. This trend continued into halftime.
As the match concluded at 90 minutes, Madrid finished with a total xT of 6.61, significantly higher than Elche’s 4.56, and 221 touches in the final third compared to Elche’s 179. However, Elche led twice in this game with their inferior field tilt.
Tactically, Los Blancos favored a more patient approach in the first half, completing three patient sequences compared to one short sequence out of eight total sequences. This aligned with their increasing control and xT accumulation during this period. Elche, in contrast, showed a slightly more direct style early on, with two short sequences and one patient sequence from their six total sequences in the first 45 minutes.
In the final 15 minutes of the game, Real Madrid shifted their focus, executing two short sequences, but the elusive winner remained out of reach. Elche also had one short sequence and one patient sequence in the closing stages.
Several players delivered notable performances. Trent Alexander-Arnold was a key figure, leading all players with 3.58 xT gained and 15 progressive passes. Álvaro Núñez also contributed significantly, gaining 1.46 xT and completing 14 progressive passes. In terms of carrying the ball forward, André Silva and Kylian Mbappé each recorded 10 progressive carries. Defensively, Aleix Febas led with seven ball recoveries, while Raúl Asencio made six.
Real Madrid will continue their away journey to Olympiacos in the UEFA Champions League next.
