Real Madrid News
24-year-old Real Madrid star has impressed everyone at club with recent performances
Real Madrid will take on Granada in a matter of few hours at the Santiago Bernabeu, hoping to extend their winning run across all competitions.
Leading up to the game, the Merengues have had a host of injury issues to deal with. Difference-makers like Vinicius Jr., Eduardo Camavinga, and Luka Modric have been unavailable, but they have found a way to get the desired results.
People coming into the team have stepped up to the plate and ensured that the results have not suffered. One such player who has made a difference is Brahim Diaz.
Real Madrid impressed by Diaz’s performances
According to MARCA, everyone at Real Madrid have been left impressed by the performances of Brahim Diaz in recent matches.
The 24-year-old attacking midfielder hardly featured in the early parts of the season due to competition for places.
But the injuries to the likes of Vinicius Jr. and Modric have opened the window for the Spaniard and he is making the most of it.
In 12 games so far this season across all competitions, Diaz has scored two goals and set up one more for his teammates.
Diaz has started three of Real Madrid’s previous four matches in all competitions, showing his growing stature in Carlo Ancelotti’s plans. It would have been four starts in four if not for an illness ruling him out against Cadiz.
The former Manchester City ace impressed in his partnership with Rodrygo in the midweek clash against Napoli and Ancelotti is unlikely to tinker with the pairing tonight against Granada.
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.
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.”
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.
