Martin Anselmi outlines bold Elche plan for Real Madrid clash

Ahead of their home match against Real Madrid, Elche head coach Martin Anselmi has urged his team to maintain a fearless tactical identity. Despite a difficult start to the season and the absence of a win, the Argentine manager believes that controlling the game is the key to holding off their star-studded opponents.

The best way to defend is to have the ball. I believe we must maintain the same defensive competitiveness from San Mames and defend ourselves with possession. Martin Anselmi

Elche enters the match following a 1-1 draw against Athletic Club, yet they remain without a victory this season while conceding an average of 2.6 goals per game. History also weighs heavily on the hosts, who have failed to beat Real Madrid in any of their last 16 league encounters. Anselmi stressed that his squad must remain fully focused for the entire 90 minutes to avoid lapses that clinical opposition will exploit.

For the visitors, this match is a vital opportunity to maintain pressure at the top of the table before the upcoming capital derby. Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho may opt for squad rotation following a busy stretch of domestic and Champions League fixtures. Meanwhile, Elche will continue to operate without the injured Yago Santiago as they look to snap a three-match losing streak in Tuesday top-flight fixtures.