Elche welcome Real Madrid tonight with a blunt challenge in front of them: the hosts have conceded 13 goals in five league games, while Madrid have scored 14 across their latest five matches in all competitions.
Elche need to make this feel different
Elche opened the season with a 1-1 draw at Deportivo Alavés, but then conceded five at home to Barcelona and three away to Racing Santander. A 3-2 defeat by Real Sociedad followed before Saturday's 1-1 draw at Athletic Club.
That latest point offers something to build on. Elche stayed in the contest away from home and avoided a fourth straight defeat, but Real Madrid will put the defensive improvement under immediate strain.
Madrid's goals have returned
Real Madrid have won four of their last five matches. They scored four against Real Sociedad, four against Málaga and four more against Rayo Vallecano, with a 2-1 Champions League win over Inter also part of the run.
The lone setback was a 1-0 defeat at Real Betis. Fourteen goals and only four conceded across the five matches still leaves Madrid carrying the stronger rhythm into this trip.
Can Elche stay in the match?
The first job for Elche is to avoid the early damage that can turn a difficult night into a long one. They have scored in four of their five league games, so there is enough attacking life to trouble Madrid if the contest remains close.
For the visitors, patience should matter as much as power. Elche earned a point at Athletic Club three days ago and will hope another organised display gives the home crowd something to believe in.
Match details
Elche v Real Madrid
Tuesday 15 September, 20:30 BST
La Liga
Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero
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What to watch
Elche's response to Madrid's first spell of pressure will set the tone. If the hosts defend their box and keep the score level, frustration can grow. If Madrid strike early, their recent scoring run could take over.