Real Madrid returned to La Liga with the task of securing all three points to put pressure on Barcelona in the title race, despite the absence of Mbappe due to injury. However, the Royal team started the match rather slowly and for most of the first half did not create many clear-cut chances.

However, the difference came in the final minutes of the first half. In the 39th minute, Antonio Rudiger unexpectedly opened the scoring after the ball rebounded from an Elche defense clearance. The German defender unleashed a decisive volley inside the penalty area, giving Real Madrid the lead.

Just a few minutes later, it was Federico Valverde’s turn to shine. From just outside the penalty area, the Uruguayan midfielder unleashed a powerful long-range shot that left the opposing goalkeeper completely helpless, giving Real Madrid a 2-0 lead going into halftime.

In the second half, coach Arbeloa began to gradually substitute some key players to prepare for the return match against Man City in the Champions League. However, the home team maintained the pressure and scored another goal in the 66th minute. Young defender Daniel Yanez delivered an accurate cross for Dean Huijsen to head in, making the score 3-0.

Elche pulled one back in the 85th minute thanks to an own goal by Miguel Angel Moran, stemming from a misplaced pass by Camavinga.

However, Arda Guler sealed the victory with a spectacular long-range strike from near the halfway line, securing a 4-1 win for Real Madrid. This result temporarily narrowed the gap with Barcelona to just one point, as their arch-rivals had yet to play in this round.