Real Madrid 4-1 Elche: Huijsen shines, Valverde and Guler score

Real Madrid cruised to a 4-1 win over struggling Elche to put pressure back on La Liga leaders Barcelona. The victory built on their thrashing of Manchester City in the Champions League, with Federico Valverde among the scorers and substitute Arda Guler capping the night with a stunning strike from his own half in the dying stages.

Elche sat deep and Madrid allowed them plenty of first-half possession as Alvaro Arbeloa looked to create space on the counter. A Brahim Diaz penalty claim was waved away before Antonio Rudiger volleyed home from a crowded area and Valverde struck into the top corner to make it 2-0 at the break.

Early in the second half Diaz missed a good chance, but Dean Huijsen headed in after a Daniel Yanez cross and Guler added a late long-range finish following a consolation for the visitors. Player ratings from the Santiago Bernabeu gave Dean Huijsen, Federico Valverde and Arda Guler 8/10, Antonio Rudiger and Daniel Yanez 7/10, and Brahim Diaz 7/10, while Thibaut Courtois was rated 6/10 and Dani Carvajal 5/10.

Spain, Madrid

real madrid, elche, la liga, federico valverde, arda guler, dean huijsen, antonio rudiger, brahim diaz, thibaut courtois, santiago bernabeu