Elche CF marks a high point this season with a hard-won victory and a bold wrap-up: Pape Cheikh has signed through the current campaign, joining a squad already focused on lifting morale and sharpening midfield control. Teammates Boyé, Fidel, Gumbau and Roco contribute to a shared drive to elevate the club on all fronts.
Pape Cheikh, the new signing of Elche CF
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champion again
Real Madrid arrives with a storied past and a trophy-laden cabinet that includes eight Mundialitos, three Intercontinentals, and five Club World Cups. Yet fatigue and a run of tough results have added strain. Late game twists have tested the squad, including a recent gastroenteritis issue affecting Kroos.
The midweek clash, closing the league slate, will feature several absences due to injuries or suspensions. Elche faces Espanyol’s determined push and will be without Álex Collado, John Chetauya, and Pere Milla, all sidelined by injuries. Collado’s return remains days away, while Milla’s recovery stretches into the coming weeks. The coach noted that other players have been called up and are ready to contribute as needed.
To avoid a fifth yellow card against Villarreal, neither Helibelton Palacios nor Omar Mascarell will start. The coach stressed that Pape Cheikh’s arrival is timely, given midfield needs and the tight schedule ahead. His presence could prove pivotal in balancing defense and midfield control.
tested
The Senegalese midfielder spent a week integrating with the squad and sealed his agreement for the current term. He travels to Madrid with the team after an early departure from Alicante. The club highlighted Cheikh as a deeply experienced midfielder with a strong physical profile and solid ball handling. The coaching staff spoke positively about his arrival, emphasizing the timing as ideal during a congested period with crucial matches looming.
The coach noted that Cheikh arrived in good physical form and quickly showed his ability to contribute. He expressed admiration for the player’s readiness, a decisive factor given the squad’s midseason needs. If this assessment holds, Cheikh could become a key factor in upcoming games, possibly featuring against top opponents. To offset other midfield losses, Raúl Guti is a frequent option and discussions included other variants from players like Tete Morente, Josan, or Fidel.
Machín: “We are facing the best team in the world, but this is football”
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possible elevens
The expected starting lineup could include Badia in goal, a back three of Bigas, Roco and Magallán, with Clerc and Carmona on the flanks. In midfield, Gumbau and Guti would pair, supported by Fidel and Ponce, while Boyé leads the attack.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid deals with a wave of injuries and suspensions. Courtois, Mendy, Hazard, and Vinícius Júnior are unavailable or managing restrictions, while Lucas Vázquez returns. Lunin could start in goal, with Carvajal at right back and a central block of Camavinga, Militao, Rudiger, and Alaba. The midfield could feature Tchouaméni, Valverde, and Ceballos, with Asensio, Benzema, and Rodrygo up front. The coach may rotate heavily to keep the squad fresh as the campaign advances. Elche, energized by the challenge, will need to match Madrid’s intensity and tactical discipline, carrying a true title-winning pedigree into every match.