Martin Anselmi Reveals Ambitious Possession Strategy for Elche Against Real Madrid

Elche head coach Martin Anselmi has called on his team to take control of the ball when they face Real Madrid at the Estadio Martinez Valero. The Argentine manager believes that keeping possession is the best way for his winless squad to defend against the La Liga giants and push for their first victory of the season.

Hosts Aim for a Surprise Result

Elche come into the match after a 1-1 draw with Athletic Club, adding a point to their La Liga tally. Despite this, Anselmi’s side has yet to win in any competition this season and has conceded an average of 2.6 goals per game. They also face a tough historical record, having not beaten Real Madrid in their last 16 league meetings.

Coach Calls for Fearless, Ball-Focused Tactics

During his pre-match press briefing, Anselmi emphasized the need for bravery and confidence despite the challenge posed by a star-studded opponent. 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 Against Complacency

Anselmi remains mindful of Real Madrid’s lethal efficiency and warned his players about the importance of concentration throughout the entire match. He added, “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.”

Fatigue Could Affect Visitors

Real Madrid might rotate their lineup after a recent 4-1 win over Rayo Vallecano and a challenging Champions League clash with Inter Milan. Under Jose Mourinho, they are determined to keep up the pressure at the top of the league ahead of an important capital derby this weekend.

Meanwhile, Elche face added difficulties without injured player Yago Santiago and will need a near-perfect performance to end their current three-match losing streak in league fixtures.

• Match: Elche vs Real Madrid
• Date: 15 September 2026
• Kick-off Time: 22:30
• Venue: Estadio Martinez Valero