Real Madrid welcomed Elche to the Bernabeu on Saturday knowing that three points would move them top of the La Liga table.
Los Blancos led by a single goal at the interval following a long-range strike from Asier Illarramendi.
Elche frustrated Madrid in the second period, but Gareth Bale made it 2-0 after 72 minutes, before Isco scored a third late on.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! Our La Liga coverage for the day opens from the Bernabeu as Real Madrid welcome Elche to the Spanish capital. As it stands, Los Blancos sit in second position in the table, but level on points with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. Anything but an Elche win would see Carlo Ancelotti's side move to the top of the division.
TEAMS:
MADRID: Lopez; Carvajal, Pepe, Varane, Arbeloa; Alonso, Illarramendi, Di Maria; Jese, Benzema, Bale
ELCHE: Herrera; Cisma, Lomban, Botia, Edu; Rivera, Marquez, Perez; Coro, Gil, Manu
So there we have it. No Cristiano Ronaldo or Luka Modric for Real Madrid this afternoon, while Sergio Ramos has been rested with Raphael Varane coming into the centre of the defence. Asier Illarramendi and Alvaro Arbeloa also start. Elche, meanwhile, leave Richmond Boakye and Fidel on the bench, with Manu del Moral and Carles Gil both selected in attack.
The reverse match between the two sides earlier this season ended in a 2-1 Madrid win, but it was a fixture full of controversy. Boakye thought that he had claimed a point for the home side after cancelling out a strike from Ronaldo in stoppage time, but Ronaldo converted a suspect penalty in the sixth minute of additional time to secure all the points.
#jornada25 El @ElcheCFoficial sólo jugará con un extranjero en el Bernabéu, Boakye pic.twitter.com/tFesTrSz8n
— LigaBBVA (@LigaBBVA) February 22, 2014
Madrid have won 10 of their 11 league games at the Bernabeu this season, with the only blot on their copybook coming against rivals Atletico Madrid. However, of the current top three, Madrid have scored the fewest at home (36) and conceded the most (10). That is in contrast to their away form, which is comfortably the best in the league.
It certainly took a bit of time for Ancelotti to make his impression at the Bernabeu, but the former Spanish champions have been in sensational form of late. They enter the match off the back of a 3-0 win over Getafe, which was their fourth in a row in all competitions. What's more, they haven't lost a single match since suffering a 1-0 defeat at Barcelona in October 2013.
In their last four matches, Madrid have scored 12 times, conceding just twice in the process. There is no question that their defence has improved this season, which is bad news for their rivals. In total, Madrid have conceded 24 times this season, while Elche have conceded 34. Down the other end, Madrid have scored 68 times – one less than top scorers Barcelona – to Elche's 16.
It has been a mixed campaign for Elche, but a strong recent run has moved them away from the drop zone. They enter the match off the back of a goalless draw against Osasuna, but they have lost just one of their last five games. As it stands, they sit 13th in the table on 26 points, but are just five points from the relegation zone.
Four of Elche's six league wins this season have come on their own patch, but they have lost five times at home and five times on the road. While their away form has not been disastrous, only Real Valladolid and Malaga have won fewer times on their travels this season than Elche. That is not a record that you would want entering the Bernabeu.
PREDICTION: In short, I cannot see anything other than a comfortable Real Madrid victory this afternoon. Elche have been in decent form of late, but Los Blancos are arguably in their best form of the season. My score prediction is 4-0 in the Spanish capital.
#RMFanPics pic.twitter.com/U8E6L5EJnI
— Javier Ojeda (@Javiojedaj) February 22, 2014
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Let's hope for an entertaining fixture at the Bernabeu as the away side get the first 45 minutes underway.
Wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium on this warm afternoon in Madrid. Bale has the chance to open his legs in the opening couple of minutes as he drives down the right, but Lomban is across to clear at the vital moment. Los Blancos have immediately taken control of the possession.
Just a reminder that Madrid are without Ronaldo and Modric this afternoon through suspension. That has not harmed them in the opening four minutes, however, with Carlo Ancelotti's side in complete control of proceedings. It could be a long afternoon for Elche as they continue to chase shadows.
SAVE! The first real chance comes to Benzema as the Madrid forward arrows one towards the bottom corner, but Manu Herrera just does enough to push it wide of the post.
Elche just cannot get out of their own half at the moment as the one-way traffic continues. Another half-chance arrives as Di Maria drives a dangerous cross into the box, but Herrera just does enough to punch clear under pressure from Benzema. Still goalless with six minutes on the clock.
First real sign of Jese as the Madrid forward threatens to meet a through pass from Varane, but Herrera is out to claim at the vital moment. It has been a slightly untidy last couple of minutes with the referee called into action to deal with a number of late challenges. It appears only a matter of time before Los Blancos break the deadlock at the Bernabeu.
Half-chance for the away side as Coro finds some space inside the Madrid box, but the Spaniard can only hook his effort into the arms of Diego Lopez. Bale drives into the Elche box moments later, but the Welshman is denied by Cisma at the vital moment.
CROSSBAR! Nervy moment for Herrera as the Elche goalkeeper watches a Di Maria corner sweep over his head before smashing against the crossbar. However, it falls to an Elche shirt and the danger is cleared.
Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the last couple of minutes, but the home side remain in complete control of the ball. A Di Maria cross threatens to find the head of Benzema, but Herrera is out to claim at the vital moment. Good tempo to this La Liga contest at the Bernabeu.
It's brilliant work from Benzema as the Frenchman rides two challenges down the left before delivering a cross towards Bale, but Herrera is out to collect once more. Slight frustration for Ancelotti as Los Blancos continue to concede possession in forward areas. Elche have certainly tightened up in defensive areas.
Madrid continue to threaten in wide positions with Di Maria and Bale both delivering crosses towards Benzema, but the Frenchman has not been able to make a telling touch thus far. Meanwhile, the free-kick count continues to rise in the middle of the park. Still goalless after 19 minutes.
The stop-start period of the match continues with the referee taking centre attention. Coro remains the main outlet for Elche as the Spaniard takes control of a long ball inside the Madrid box, but Pepe is across to clear at the vital moment. Little over 20 minutes of the first period remaining at the Bernabeu.
An injection of pace from Jese threatens Elche, but the Spaniard cannot drive past the challenge of two defenders. Di Maria has a sight of goal moments later, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Still goalless in Madrid.
Slight sense of frustration from the Madrid faithful in the last couple of moments as Elche continue to close the space in the final third. You just get the feeling that the floodlights could open if Los Blancos manage to take the lead, but the away side are performing admirably at the moment.
Alonso attempts the spectacular as Bale finds the Spaniard some 40 yards from goal, but his curling effort is wide of the post. It is the away supporters that are making most of the noise with little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining at the Bernabeu.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Jese as Di Maria drives down the left before finding the Spaniard on the edge of the box, but his effort is wide of the post. That is the closest that either side has come in the opening 31 minutes.
Good spell for Elche in the last couple of moments with the likes of Rivera and Perez enjoying possession of the ball in the Madrid half. Gil threatens with a mazy run into the box, but Illarramendi is across to clear at the vital moment. In truth, not too much is happening at the moment on this warm afternoon in Madrid.
GOAL! Madrid 1-0 Elche (Illarramendi)
Los Blancos take the lead with 34 minutes on the clock and it is a first league goal for Illarramendi, whose low effort from the edge of the box nestled into the bottom corner.
Well, Madrid have not been at their best this afternoon, but they have indeed struck first in the latter stages of the half. You just get the feeling that Elche cannot afford to concede another before the interval or it could get very messy indeed at the Bernabeu.
Opportunity for Elche to threaten from a free kick as Alonso fells Perez outside the Madrid box. The resulting set piece is delivered by Rivera, but it moves straight behind for a goal kick. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining at the Bernabeu.
Another half-chance for the home side as Alonso finds Bale inside the Elche box, but his effort is blocked by Lomban. The away side break down the other end moments later, but Coro does not have the legs to move past Varane, who has been class personified in the opening 42 minutes.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Los Blancos to score their second as Di Maria finds some space outside the box before striking towards goal, but Herrera gets down well to make the save. I shouldn't think that there will be too much in the way of added time at the end of the 45 minutes.
HALF TIME: Madrid 1-0 Elche
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Madrid leading 1-0 courtesy of a long-range strike from Illarramendi. The home side have dominated the possession, but clear chances have been at a premium with Elche tight and compact in defensive areas.
STATISTICS: Madrid had 61% of the ball in the first period, while they had eight attempts - three of which were on target - to Elche's one. It has been far from vintage from Los Blancos, but as it stands, they are on course to move top of the table. Elche surely must show more invention in the second 45 minutes.
BENCH WATCH: The home side are without a number of key players this afternoon, but they still have attacking options on their bench in the shape of Isco and Alvaro Morata. Elche, meanwhile, have the likes of Aaron Niguez, Mantecon, Boakye and Cristian Herrera in reserve. There are certainly goals in that list of players.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. You just get the feeling that the next goal - if there indeed is one - could prove decisive in terms of the final result. Right, the home side get the second 45 minutes underway at the Bernabeu.
No changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise at this stage of proceedings. However, I suspect that both managers will consider alterations over the next 20 minutes or so. Bright start to the second half from Elche, who have enjoyed a period of possession in the Madrid half.
Half-chance for the home side as Jese drives down the left before delivering a low cross into the box, but Benzema cannot make contact under pressure from Lomban. The period of pressure continues as Bale delivers from the right, but once more the danger is cleared. End-to-end football with 50 minutes on the clock.
Some thought that Elche would take a bit of a hammering at the Bernabeu this afternoon, but the away side have been impressive. They have started the second period full of confidence and enjoying much of the ball, but they are finding it difficult to really force the issue in the final third.
A flair-up occurs between both sets of players as Pepe dives into a challenge with Marquez, but the referee is quickly on hand to calm proceedings and issue the Portuguese centre-back a yellow card.
Elche's positive period of the match continues as Coro twice delivers dangerous crosses into the Madrid box, but Varane and Pepe take it in turns to clear. Not too much from Los Blancos in the last few moments, with the home supporters starting to show signs of frustration. Little over 30 minutes of normal time remaining.
Just a few signs that Madrid are starting to find their passing tempo in the second period as Alonso combines with Bale on the edge of the box, but Botia is out to block at the vital moment. We are entering the stage of the match where managers in Spain tend to consider changes. It is so delicately poised.
Again Coro is the danger for Madrid as the Elche forward drives past two challenges on the edge of the box, but he just loses his footing at the vital moment. Madrid are down the other end with Bale moments later, but the Welshman cuts inside before firing high and wide of the crossbar.
In truth, not too much is happening at the moment with Madrid far from comfortable on their own patch. You just get the feeling that a second goal for the home side would be enough to end the Elche challenge, but the visitors are full of confidence with 63 minutes on the clock. Still no movement on either bench.
Madrid want a red card for Botia as the centre-back fells Jese on the edge of the box, but the referee issued a yellow. It was a terrible piece of goalkeeping from Herrera, who put his side in all sorts of trouble with a poor pass. The resulting free kick is taken by Alonso, but his effort is straight into the wall.
The referee could have a big role to play in the latter stages of the match as the challenges continue to fly in from both sides. Madrid have been unsettled by Elche there is no question about that. Still no movement on either bench, which is a surprise at this stage of proceedings.
CHANCE! Bale has the best chance of the second period for the home side as the Welshman meets a cross from Jese, but his header just drops wide of the post. It remains 1-0 with little over 20 minutes of normal time remaining. Far closer than many expected.
Half-chance for Elche as Coro meets a loose ball on the edge of the box, but his effort is straight at Varane. Di Maria breaks for Los Blancos, but Marquez brings the Argentine to the ground and gains a yellow card for his troubles. You just get the feeling that there is another goal in this match. It is so delicately poised.
GOAL! Real Madrid 2-0 Elche (Bale)
Los Blancos have their second of the afternoon as Bale finds some space outside the box before thumping one into the top corner. Sensational from the Welshman.
Double change for Elche as the away side introduce Niguez and Fidel in place of Rivera and Manu. Madrid respond with a change of their own as Isco replaces Jese.
Madrid have turned up the heat in the last couple of moments as Carvajal drives down the right before delivering a dangerous cross into the box, but Botia manages to clear under pressure from Isco. As it stands, Real Madrid are heading to the top of the table.
CHANCE! Incredible chance for Carvajal as Isco puts it on a plate for the Madrid right-back inside the box, but the Spaniard cannot make enough contact at the final moment. Elche just cannot keep the ball as the second period enters its latter stages.
Benzema holds his head in frustration as the Frenchman places wide from close range following an Isco cross, but the striker had moved into an offside position. Moments later, Elche make their third and final change as Herrera replaces Gil, who has struggled to influence proceedings this afternoon.
GOAL! Real Madrid 3-0 Elche (Isco)
The home side have their third of the match as Isco takes a pass from Benzema in his stride before finding the bottom corner. It is harsh on Elche, but that is football at this level.
The home side make their second change of the match with Alvaro Morata entering the field in place of Benzema. Madrid are not finished here as they continue to flood forward with Elche simply unable to match their opponents.
Los Blancos make their third and final change in the latter stages as Casemiro replaces Alonso, who has once more been sensational. You just get the feeling that it could get worse for Elche in the latter stages as the home side continue to flood forward.
Half-chance for Morata to get among the goals as the Spaniard beats the offside trap from a Di Maria pass, but his effort is straight into the arms of Herrera. Casemiro threatens to find the run of Di Maria moments later, but Lomban is across to clear the danger.
Bale misses a sitter for the home side after bring played through by Morata, but the Welshman had been in an offside position. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional two minutes and we are indeed into the first of those.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Morata to score a fourth late on as he drives through the heart of the Elche defence, but his effort is just deflected wide of the post by Lomban.
FULL TIME: Real Madrid 3-0 Elche
So there we have it. The referee brings the second period to an end with Los Blancos winning 3-0, with that result moving them to the top of the table. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us again later for more Spanish football. Until then!
