Real Madrid boosted their La Liga title hopes with a convincing 4-1 victory over Elche CF at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium on Saturday night.
The win moved Madrid to within one point of league leaders FC Barcelona as the title race continues to intensify towards the end of the season.
Elche’s defence held firm in the opening stages of the match, frustrating the hosts for the first 30 minutes by sitting deep and absorbing pressure. However, the breakthrough came in the 39th minute when Antonio Rüdiger reacted quickly to a parried save from Elche goalkeeper Matías Dituro and fired a volley into the top corner.
Madrid doubled their lead shortly before half-time through Federico Valverde, who struck a powerful long-range effort from the edge of the penalty area to make it 2-0.
In the second half, Madrid manager Álvaro Arbeloa introduced fresh players from the bench, including young talents from the club’s academy. The move paid off in the 66th minute when Dean Huijsen headed home from a cross delivered by Daniel Yáñez to extend the lead.
Despite Madrid’s dominance, Elche managed to reduce the deficit in the 85th minute after an unfortunate own goal by substitute Manuel Ángel.
Madrid restored their three-goal advantage in spectacular fashion four minutes later when Arda Güler spotted Dituro off his line and produced a remarkable long-range lob that sailed into the net, sealing a 4-1 victory.
Speaking after the match, Arbeloa admitted the first half was slow but praised his team’s composure.
“The first half was a bit slow, but we kept our composure. We are exactly where we want to be, fighting for every point until the end,” he said.
Madrid will now turn their attention to the UEFA Champions League as they prepare to travel to face Manchester City in their next European fixture.
