Overview
- Kickoff is 9:00 p.m. local (3:00 p.m. ET) at Estadio Martínez Valero, with U.S. coverage on ABC and ESPN Deportes and streaming on Fubo and ESPN+.
- Barcelona’s 4-0 win over Athletic moved them ahead on goal difference, putting immediate pressure on Madrid to respond.
- Xabi Alonso manages defensive shortages with only two senior centre-backs available while Aurélien Tchouameni and Franco Mastantuono are ruled out.
- Previews expect Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham to lead the attack, with Mbappé entering as Madrid’s leading league scorer.
- Elche enter on a five-match LaLiga winless run and sit mid-table, with 20-year-old midfielder Rodrigo Mendoza drawing transfer interest due to a reported €20 million release clause.