Martin Anselmi Reveals Bold Possession Strategy for Elche Against Real Madrid
Elche's Coach Martin Anselmi Emphasizes Ball Control Against Real Madrid
Martin Anselmi, head coach of Elche, has urged his squad to take a fearless approach by dominating possession when they face Real Madrid at the Estadio Martinez Valero. Despite a tough challenge against one of La Liga’s top teams, Anselmi believes that keeping the ball is their best chance to earn their first league win this season.
Elche Aims for an Unexpected Victory
Elche comes into this match after securing a 1-1 draw away at Athletic Club, adding to their points in La Liga. However, the team has yet to claim a victory across all competitions this year and concedes an average of 2.6 goals per game. Historically, Elche has struggled against Real Madrid, failing to win any of their last 16 league encounters.
Coach Demands Courage and Possession-Based Defense
During his pre-match press conference, Anselmi stressed the importance of staying brave tactically despite facing a squad loaded with stars. 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 Maintaining Focus Against a Dangerous Opponent
Anselmi is fully aware of Real Madrid's lethal efficiency and underlined the need for constant concentration throughout the 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."
Challenging Schedule Tests Real Madrid’s Depth
After a commanding 4-1 win over Rayo Vallecano and a demanding Champions League fixture against Inter, Real Madrid might rotate players. Manager Jose Mourinho will aim to keep pressure high at the league summit ahead of the important upcoming capital derby. Meanwhile, Elche, missing injured player Yago Santiago, must deliver a near-perfect performance to stop a three-game losing streak in league play on Tuesday night.
- Date & Time: 15 September 2026, 22:30
- Venue: Estadio Martinez Valero
- Competition: La Liga
- Teams: Elche vs Real Madrid
