Real Madrid moved to the top of the La Liga table this afternoon with a 3-0 win over Elche.
Asier Illarramendi scored his first league goal for the Spanish outfit in the first period, before Gareth Bale and Isco made completed the scoring in the second half.
Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action between the two Spanish rivals.
Match statistics
Madrid
Shots: 15
On target: 6
Possession: 58%
Corners: 9
Fouls: 13
Elche
Shots: 4
On target: 2
Possession: 42%
Corners: 1
Fouls: 19
Was the result fair?
There is no question that the home side deserved to collect all three points this afternoon, but the final score is perhaps slightly harsh on Elche, who frustrated Los Blancos for long periods of the contest. In truth, the second Madrid goal was a game-changer and had it come earlier, then the visitors might have been on the end of a thumping from Carlo Ancelotti's side.
Madrid's performance
Once more, for long periods, it was not vintage Madrid, but it is another three points and indeed another clean sheet for the former Spanish champions. Another three goals arrived despite the absence of a certain Cristiano Ronaldo, but it didn't quite flow for the hosts in the final third this afternoon. There is no question that they have played better this season, but at this stage of the campaign it is results and not performances that matter the most.
Elche's performance
Elche can be pleased with their overall performance at the Bernabeu this afternoon despite leaving with nothing to show for their efforts. They were not content with purely defending in the first period and caused Madrid a couple of nervy moments in the final third, but it was always an uphill struggle after they conceded the first goal. The floodlights might have opened for many teams, but they managed to keep the score down until the latter stages.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Xabi Alonso: It had been suggested that Alonso would leave the Bernabeu at the end of the season with his contract coming to an end, but it is no surprise that Madrid made the Spaniard's new deal a priority. The midfielder has been brilliant in recent weeks and continued that form this afternoon with a classy performance in the middle of the park.
Biggest gaffe
Elche goalkeeper Manu Herrera put his side in all sorts of trouble in the second period when he attempted to find centre-back Alberto Botia on the edge of the box, despite Jese Rodriguez in close proximity. Botia was perhaps lucky to remain on the field after pulling Jese to the ground, but the resulting free kick from Alonso was straight into the wall. It is hard enough at the Bernabeu without giving Madrid a helping hand.
Referee performance
Overall, Eduardo Prieto had a fairly straightforward 90 minutes in the Spanish capital this afternoon. The Spaniard issued just the four yellow cards despite a number of feisty challenges, while he was always on hand to calm proceedings when tempers threatened to flare. Neither manager will have had too many complaints about his showing at the Bernabeu.
What next?
Madrid: Los Blancos switch their attention to Champions League matters next week as they travel to Schalke 04 for the first leg of their last-16 clash on Wednesday.
Elche: Elche will attempt to return to winning ways in the league when they welcome Celta Vigo next Saturday.
Matt Law
