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Martin Anselmi Reveals Elche's Bold Possession Strategy Against Real Madrid

Martin Anselmi, the head coach of Elche, insists that controlling possession is the key to his team's defense as they prepare to face Real Madrid at the Estadio Martinez Valero. Despite not having won this season, Anselmi is confident that a ball-focused approach offers their best chance for success.

Hosts Aim for Breakthrough Victory

Elche come into the match after a 1-1 draw against Athletic Club, adding another point to their La Liga tally. Yet, they remain winless in all competitions and have conceded an average of 2.6 goals per game. Their history against Real Madrid is grim, having lost or drawn the last 16 league games without a single victory against the capital side.

Coach Demands Courage and Ball Control

Speaking ahead of the fixture, Anselmi highlighted the importance of sticking to their tactical philosophy even against such strong opponents. He said, "The fact that we competed at San Mames makes us feel united and shows that this is the path to follow. For us, 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."

Warning on Real Madrid's Threat

He also cautioned his players about the clinical nature of Real Madrid’s attack. "They make difficult passages of play look easy and push you to the limit; we can't afford to give anything away and must stay focused for the entire match."

Real Madrid's Busy Schedule Could Offer Opportunities

After a 4-1 win over Rayo Vallecano and a challenging Champions League game against Inter, Real Madrid might rotate some players. Manager Jose Mourinho will be pushing for maximum points to keep pressure on rivals before the upcoming crucial derby. Meanwhile, Elche, missing injured Yago Santiago, need a near-perfect performance to stop a three-game losing streak in league fixtures.

  • Date and Time: 15 Sept 2026, 22:30
  • Venue: Estadio Martinez Valero
  • Competition: La Liga
  • Teams: Elche vs Real Madrid

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