The November international break ends with Real Madrid stepping straight into an uncomfortable scenario: an away trip, fresh doubts from their latest performances, and a visit to an Elche side that remain unbeaten at the Martínez Valero. For Xabi Alonso, the mission is clear — deliver an immediate reaction before Barcelona tighten the pressure at the top of LaLiga.

A League Leader Searching for Rhythm Again

Madrid’s slowdown arrived at the worst time. The loss at Anfield and the draw against Rayo Vallecano marked the first genuinely worrying stretch of the Alonso era. The team lost fluency, regressed tactically, and went scoreless across 180 minutes, with Kylian Mbappé uncharacteristically quiet and the attack lacking spark.

The break, more than a rest, became an opportunity to reset. The expectation now is simple: prove the dip was nothing more than a temporary setback. The problem is that the reset comes with one of the club’s most fragile defensive situations in years.

A Defensive Puzzle for Xabi Alonso

At center-back, Alonso only has Raúl Asencio fully available. Éder Militão returned injured from Brazil duty, David Alaba came back with discomfort after playing for Austria, and Antonio Rüdiger remains sidelined since September.
Dean Huijsen is finally fit but lacks competitive rhythm, leaving the back line stretched thin.

The full-back situation adds another twist: Dani Carvajal is still out, meaning Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to make his first start on the right flank. In midfield, the return of Fede Valverde, who skipped international duty due to minor issues, is a welcome relief ahead of a brutal stretch — nine matches in twenty-eight days.

Mbappé Needs Help: Goals Must Be Shared

Xabi Alonso has made it clear: the attack cannot rely solely on Mbappé. Contributions from Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, the midfield unit, and set-piece situations are essential if Madrid want to keep their authority in LaLiga heading into the final weeks of 2025.

Elche Look to Defend Their Fortress

On the other side, Eder Sarabia has spent the break reinforcing his team’s identity — proactive, possession-driven football, but with sharper defensive adjustments. Results have slipped lately, with just two points from their last fifteen, yet both came at home, where Elche remain unbeaten.

Sarabia’s only confirmed absentee is Josan Ferrández. The main doubts revolve around the goalkeeper — Iñaki Peña or Matías Dituro — and the condition of Pedro Bigas, who will be monitored until the final training session.

Up front, the plan is far clearer: Rafa Mir and André da Silva, the team’s joint top scorers, are expected to lead the attack once again.

High Stakes on Both Sides

For Real Madrid, this is a potential trap — a dangerous stadium, an opponent that grows at home, and a defense stitched together by necessity.

For Elche, it’s a chance to deliver a statement win, extend their home streak, and reignite their season.

Both teams return from the break needing to rebuild confidence… but only one will set the tone for the weeks ahead.