Real Madrid names full squad for La Liga clash against Elche on November 23, 2025

Real Madrid returned to La Liga action with a fully assembled squad, ready to extend their lead at the top of the table against relegation-threatened Elche. The official 23-player list, confirmed by Real Madrid Club de Fútbol on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 6:30 PM CET, came just hours after the final international break of the year ended. Head coach Xabi Alonso López, in his first full season at the helm, made his selections following intense training sessions at the Ciudad Real Madrid complex in Valdebebas. The match — set for 8:00 PM CET on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at the Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero in Elche — will be officiated by referee Carlos Del Cerro Grande. It’s a pivotal fixture: Real Madrid leads La Liga with 32 points from 12 games, five clear of Atlético Madrid. Elche, sitting 17th with just 11 points, are fighting to avoid the drop.

Key Returns: Courtois, Valverde, and Mbappé All Fit

The biggest relief for Real Madrid fans? Thibaut Courtois is back. The 33-year-old Belgian goalkeeper, who missed the last two league games with a left thigh strain suffered against Girona on November 9, cleared all medical checks and will start between the posts. Equally crucial is the return of Federico Valverde. The Uruguayan midfielder, sidelined since El Clásico on October 26 after an ankle sprain, trained fully on Friday and was deemed match-ready. "Thibaut and Federico are fit and ready," the club’s official statement read — a line that sent ripples through the fanbase.

And then there’s Kylian Mbappé. The French superstar, who had been under scrutiny after his muted performances in the international break, played 90 minutes for France against Italy on November 18 and arrived back in Madrid with no issues. He’s confirmed as the central striker in Xabi Alonso’s expected 3-4-2-1 formation. No more benching. No more rotation. Mbappé, at last, looks like he’s settling in.

The Tactical Shift: A Three-Man Backline and a Lone Striker

According to tactical breakdowns from Madrid Universal, Alonso is leaning into a 3-4-2-1, a system he’s gradually refined since taking over. In defense, Dean Huijsen — the 20-year-old Dutchman — returns from a hamstring knock that kept him out of the Netherlands’ internationals. He’ll slot in alongside Álvaro Carreras and Raul Asencio, both 21 and younger than the average age of Elche’s starting XI. Trent Alexander-Arnold will push high as right wing-back, while Fran García holds the left flank. Midfield anchors Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos will shield the back three, with Arda Güler and Rodrygo Goes operating as attacking midfielders behind Mbappé.

Here’s the twist: Vinícius Júnior, Real Madrid’s most dynamic attacker over the past three seasons, remains on the bench — for the third straight league game. It’s not an injury. It’s a tactical choice. Alonso seems to prefer Mbappé as the focal point, with Rodrygo’s movement and Güler’s vision offering more verticality than Vinícius’s dribbling-heavy style. Fans are divided. Some say it’s genius. Others fear it’s a gamble.

The Absences: A Defensive Crisis Looms

Real Madrid’s injury list is growing longer than their lead in the table. The most significant loss? Éder Militão. The Brazilian center-back, sidelined since El Clásico with a right knee ligament tear, won’t return until mid-January. His absence has forced Alonso to rely on youth — and that’s risky against a physical Elche side that scores from set pieces. David Alaba, still recovering from his September ACL tear, remains out. So does Dani Carvajal, whose calf strain has lingered since October. Even Antonio Rüdiger, who trained partially on November 21, was not cleared by medical director Dr. Eduardo González Cuadrado.

And then there’s Aurélien Tchouaméni. The French midfielder played 78 minutes for France against Italy on November 18 — yet Alonso chose to rest him. Why? "Precaution," the club said. But whispers in Madrid suggest it’s more: Tchouaméni’s form has dipped. His passing has become predictable. His positioning, sloppy. Is this the beginning of a shift away from him?

What’s at Stake? More Than Just Three Points

Real Madrid’s 5-point cushion is comfortable — but not safe. La Liga is tightening. Barcelona, who’ve won their last four, are only 10 points back with two games in hand. A slip-up here, and the pressure mounts. For Elche, it’s survival. They’ve scored just 10 goals in 12 games. Their last win? September 21. They’ve drawn three of their last four at home, though. And they’ve never lost to Real Madrid at the Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero in the last decade.

But here’s the real story: Xabi Alonso is testing his squad. He’s playing young defenders. He’s benching Vinícius. He’s trusting Camavinga, Huijsen, and Güler — none of whom have ever played in a title race of this intensity. This isn’t just a match against Elche. It’s a stress test for his philosophy.

What’s Next?

After Elche, Real Madrid face Valencia on December 1, then a midweek Copa del Rey tie against a Segunda División side. The real gauntlet begins in January: a home clash with Barcelona, followed by a trip to Atlético Madrid. The squad depth will be tested. Courtois is back — but for how long? Huijsen looked sharp in training — but can he handle a 90-minute battle against a top striker? And if Vinícius stays on the bench, will his confidence waver?

One thing’s certain: Xabi Alonso isn’t playing it safe. He’s building something new. And Elche, 17th in the table, might be the perfect opponent to start.