Not a good week for Elche CF! Zero points from a possible 6, but then Real Madrid was one of the opponents!

 

On Tuesday evening Elche CF were in the Basque Country facing relegation zone placing Alaves, not an easy prospect especially as the home side were fresh from a victory against Cadiz. The Franjiverdes started well and dominated the opening minutes, but they soon faded as Alaves defended with determination. Casilla cleared a point blank header from Ximo Navvarro and Pacheco cleared a well placed shot by Lucas Boye. The second half started with an explosive Alaves whose Joselu would have scored in the opening minute had Casilla not been in the right place at the right time. However the resulting corner was to prove indefensible and the Senagalese midfielder Loum found the back of the net. The second highlight of the second half was a goal from Elche's Guido Carillo, but this was very controversially disallowed. The referee reviewing the play via VAR arrived at the assumption that the Vitorian defender did not intend to touch the ball, making the play an offside one. Elche were left without a point and had to prepare themselves for facing the mighty Real Madrid just 5 days later.

 

The crowed of 23,000 spectators filled over two thirds of the Martinez Valero to watch the world wide phenomenon that is Real Madrid. Although Benzema was missing, his absence was not that noticeable as Modric, Marcelo, Kroos, Asensio, Hazard and Vinicius among others, all made an appearance. Both sides started well, but Madrid's economy and efficiency were evident to see. Vinicius opened the scoring on the 22nd minute following a clearing error by Mojica. Except for the scoreline, the first half was very balanced with Elche being extremely unlucky and 'fluffing the final' kick on more than several occasions. Neither manager made any changes, which proved to be Escriba's mistake as Guti picked up a second yellow and was sent off at 64 minutes. Real took full advantage of the gap this created in midfield. Modric thread the ball to an unmarked Vinicius for him to gain his second goal of the fixture. On the eve of Halloween Madrid committed a fatal crime. An extremely sloppy pass that Elche intercepted with a header towards the goal and a waiting Pere Milla. He was one on one with the keeper way off his line and the open goal mouth waiting to eat the ball! Despite the loss and the rain which fell in the final minutes, the Elche fans were smiling about their trickery and the resulting treat of a goal.

 

The next home game will be against Real Betis on Sunday 21st November with a 18:30 Kick Off. The coach and match ticket package will be ready for booking on www.eurotourguide.com later this week.