Elche manager outlines plan to defend against Real Madrid: ‘The best way is to…’

Elche manager outlines plan to defend against Real Madrid: ‘The best way is to…’ Elche manager Martin Anselmi knows his side cannot afford to spend 90 minutes simply absorbing pressure when Real Madrid arrive for Tuesday’s La Liga clash .  After showing greater resilience against Athletic Club, the Argentine wants Elche to take that confidence into one of their toughest fixtures of the season. A 1-1 draw at San Mames provided some encouragement after a difficult opening to the campaign.  Elche had led for much of the second half before Athletic eventually found a way back, but Anselmi believes the performance offered a blueprint for what his team must do next. “The fact that we put up a fight at San Mames makes us feel united and shows us that this is the path to follow,” said the Elche manager, as per MARCA . Anselmi wants Elche to defend with the ball Against Real Madrid, Anselmi does not intend to abandon the principles that helped Elche compete in Bilbao.  Martin Anselmi knows stopping Real Madrid will not be easy. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images) His preferred defensive strategy starts with keeping the ball away from the opposition. “For us, the best way to defend is to keep possession. I think we need to show the same defensive resilience as we did at San Mames and defend with the ball.” That approach will face a severe examination against a Real Madrid side possessing the quality to punish even brief lapses.  Elche have already conceded 13 goals this season and currently sit 19th, making defensive concentration a major concern. On that note, Anselmi is fully aware of the individual threat Madrid possess. “They make complicated moves look easy and push you to the limit. We mustn’t give anything away and need to stay focused throughout the match.” Elche host Real Madrid next. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images) The fixture arrives at an awkward time for Anselmi, who has had limited preparation time before facing Madrid, and Yago de Santiago will be the only confirmed absentee. “The most important match is the next one. From there, we’ll see who’s in the best form and spread the workload,” said the Elche boss. Real Madrid test comes at a crucial moment Elche’s start to the 2026/27 season has been anything but positive. They drew with Deportivo La Coruña before losing three consecutive games against Barcelona, Racing Santander and 10-man Real Sociedad, during which they conceded 11 goals. The draw against Athletic halted that run, but it did not erase the defensive problems. Elche currently have the second-worst defensive record in La Liga, leaving Anselmi with little margin for error against Real Madrid.