Real Madrid’s Shock Lineup by Alonso Yields Unexpected Result Against Elche
Real Madrid’s struggles continued as they settled for a 2-2 draw against Elche, marking their third consecutive match without a victory. This match took place at the Estadio Martínez Valero following the November international break.
Unexpected Lineup by Alonso
Manager Xabi Alonso made notable changes to his starting lineup, most surprisingly benching winger Vinícius Júnior in favor of Rodrygo. He also included Fran García and Dani Ceballos in midfield. Unfortunately, these tactical decisions did not yield the desired results.
Match Summary
- Real Madrid opened the scoring with Dean Huijsen’s goal.
- Elche equalized through Aleix Febas in the second half.
- Álvaro Rodríguez scored again for Elche, taking the lead late in the match.
- Jude Bellingham rescued a point for Madrid with a last-minute equalizer.
The draw left Real Madrid just one point ahead of Barcelona at the top of La Liga. Despite their dominant possession of 54%, they managed only two shots on target compared to Elche’s three.
Player Performances
Jude Bellingham was a standout performer, contributing both a goal and an assist. Kylian Mbappé, while unable to score, played a pivotal role in Madrid’s equalizer.
| Player | Rating | Key Contributions |
|---|---|---|
| Jude Bellingham | 8.8 | 1 Goal, 1 Assist |
| Kylian Mbappé | 8.7 | Key play in equalizer |
| Dean Huijsen | 8.0 | 1 Goal |
| Thibaut Courtois | 6.0 | Need for improvement in defense |
Conclusion
This match exemplified Real Madrid’s ongoing difficulties, particularly in maintaining form since their early-season successes. As they continue to navigate their path in La Liga, the squad will need to find answers to their tactical issues if they wish to reclaim their winning ways.
