Three talking points ahead of Elche vs Real Madrid | La Liga MD13 | OneFootball

Real Madrid return to action after what has been a busy international break late on Sunday night as they travel to the Estadio Martinez Valero on Matchday 13 of La Liga.

At the venue, they will lock horns with Eder Sarabia’s Elche in what will be a crucial game in terms of them getting back after a string of poor results recently.

While the hosts on the night may currently sit 11th on the league table, they have earned a lot of praise for their brave style of football that is fearless and ruthlessly attacking.

Real Madrid will indeed be the favourites, but it is crucial that they stay alert against Elche’s high press and offside trap, for they have been a thorn in the foot against many of the big teams they have faced this campaign.

Madrid Universal brings you three talking points ahead of Elche vs Real Madrid.

A lack of defensive options

The international break was not very kind to Real Madrid with the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Dean Huijsen and Eduardo Camavinga all returning early with niggles.

While all three players are available to face Elche tomorrow, the one big name Los Blancos will miss is Eder Militao who was injured in Brazil’s final game of the break.

With his injury comes a problem for Xabi Alonso, for the manager now has only two fit centre-backs. After all, Antonio Rudiger is still out while David Alaba suffered yet another muscle pull in recent days.

Entering the game against Elche, it is clear that Huijsen and Raul Asencio will start but serious questions may be raised based on their performance on the night.

After all, the new signing has not been convincing in recent games, nor has Asensio been solid so far in his limited opportunities this season. A big part of the result, thus, will depend on how the young duo complement each other and hold the fortress.

Trent must step up

Time to step up. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

While the young defensive combination will look to pick up their level and make a statement at centre-back, there is a similar situation brewing at right-back for Real Madrid.

Trent Alexander-Arnold arrived in the summer as one of Real Madrid’s star signings, but he has been anything but a marquee player for the Merengues so far this season. In fact, the player has struggled to adapt and even break into the starting XI with merit.

Dani Carvajal’s untimely injury sets the stage up for the former Liverpool star to see more regular minutes in the coming weeks, but it is high time the player takes charge too and delivers the promise he sold in the summer.

So far, Trent has been cut significant slack for his performances – first for being a new player who was adapting to the new normal to then for being injured and working his way back.

With two weeks of rest in the international break, there are no excuses for the player and he must step up his game starting tomorrow night.

Away days continue

Real Madrid will only return home on the eighth of December to take on Celta Vigo at the Santiago Bernabeu and are on a long trip away from the city of Madrid until then.

Their trip away from home began at Anfield with a result that is kind to them, for they should have lost by a margin far more than the 1-0 that Liverpool registered on the night.

Los Blancos then travelled away to Vallecas to take on Rayo Vallecano and were frustrated once again as they had to settle for a draw and drop points in the league title race.

Having dropped points in both their away games before the international break, Los Blancos will look to get off to a winning start after the hiatus tomorrow. After all, each of their next four games are on the road.

After taking on Elche, the men in white will face off against Olympiacos, Girona and Athletic Club away from home in the coming weeks and face a crucial spell that could dictate their season. Getting off on the right foot is crucial.