Real Madrid La Liga Test
Real Madrid Travels to Face Winless Elche in Crucial La Liga Match
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Key Points
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Kylian Mbappé has scored six times in Real Madrid’s first five league matches, the club’s best opening five-game scoring run by a player since Karim Benzema in 2021-22.
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Elche’s recent home record offers some encouragement: they went unbeaten in their final seven La Liga home matches last season, winning four and drawing three.
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Rodrygo’s knee injury is expected to keep him out until early 2027, although a December return remains possible if his recovery progresses well.
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Éder Militão has resumed on-field training after his hamstring injury, with a potential return targeted for after the extended international break; Ferland Mendy has no public recovery timetable and is not expected back soon.
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Barcelona lead Real Madrid by three points after winning their first five league matches, adding pressure to Madrid to avoid dropping further ground in the title race.
Real Madrid escaped Elche with a dramatic 3-2 victory on Tuesday, scoring in stoppage time to stay within three points of Barcelona in La Liga. WTOP reported that Carlos Espí netted the winner after a move involving Jude Bellingham and an assist from Kylian Mbappé, who has now scored six goals in his first five league matches — Real Madrid's best opening five-game run by any player since Karim Benzema in 2021-22.
The win came despite a shaky defensive display from Madrid, who squandered a two-goal lead before finding late drama. Yahoo Sports noted that Vinícius Jr. struggled with the ball, completing zero dribbles and missing two big chances in a rare off night for the Brazilian winger.
Mbappé's Hot Streak Carries Madrid Forward
Kylian Mbappé has been Real Madrid's most dangerous attacking weapon so far this season. His six goals in five league matches match the pace of Karim Benzema's 2021-22 start. News-Gazette reported that Mbappé scored again against Elche and provided the assist on the winning goal, showcasing his ability to both score and create under pressure.
Madrid sits second with 12 points from five matches, three behind Barcelona who won their opening five games. Mbappé's early-season form suggests Madrid have the firepower to challenge for the title if they can tighten their defense.
Injury Woes Mount Ahead of Derby
Real Madrid face significant absences for upcoming fixtures. Rodrygo's knee injury is expected to sideline him until early 2027, though a December return remains possible. Éder Militão has resumed on-field training after his hamstring problem and could return after the international break. Ferland Mendy has no public recovery timeline and is not expected back soon.
These absences forced Madrid to work harder against Elche than expected. The injury list means coach Carlo Ancelotti may need to rotate more carefully as they prepare for the Madrid derby against Atlético Madrid coming up.
Elche's Defensive Struggles Continue Despite Home Hope
Elche held just two points entering the match against Madrid, making them one of La Liga's worst teams. Despite conceding three goals on Tuesday, the team showed some resilience with two goals of their own, suggesting they can score when they break through defensively.
The club's home form offers some encouragement: Elche went unbeaten in their final seven La Liga home matches last season, winning four and drawing three. They will look to build on that foundation and avoid dropping further behind in the relegation fight.
Madrid's Race Against Barcelona Heats Up
Barcelona's perfect five-match start has given them a three-point cushion over second-place Real Madrid. The gap highlights how crucial Madrid's victory was — dropping points would have stretched Barcelona's lead further in what shapes up to be a tight title race.
Madrid's Champions League commitments and the derby coming up will test their depth further. Mbappé's goal-scoring prowess and Madrid's ability to find late winners suggest they have the mentality to stay in the fight, but they cannot afford many more defensive lapses like the one against Elche.
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