Real Madrid is set to return to La Liga action with a crucial away match against Elche at the Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero on Sunday, November 23. Kickoff is scheduled for 9 p.m. CET, which translates to 3 p.m. Eastern Time and 12 p.m. Pacific Time in the United States, 8 p.m. GMT in the United Kingdom, and 7 a.m. AEDT on Monday morning in Australia. This fixture is highly anticipated as Real Madrid looks to rebound after a series of underwhelming results, while Elche hopes to break a troubling streak of poor performances.
### Background and Stakes for Real Madrid
Real Madrid enters this match under some pressure. The reigning Spanish giants come off a goalless draw with Rayo Vallecano and a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Liverpool in the Champions League. These results have allowed their fierce rivals Barcelona to close the gap in the La Liga title race, making today’s game a must-win for Xabi Alonso’s side as they chase their 37th league title. Real Madrid’s squad will be eager to regain momentum before the upcoming international winter break.
One of the key strengths of Real Madrid this season has been their impressive away form. They currently hold the best away record in La Liga, having secured 13 points from six road games. This robust performance on the road gives them confidence heading into the trip to Elche, who have struggled considerably in recent weeks.
### Elche’s Struggles and Context
Promoted from the Segunda Division last May, Elche have found the step up to La Liga challenging. The team has failed to win in their last seven league matches, highlighting their difficulties in adapting and competing against Spain’s top sides. Their defensive vulnerabilities and inability to convert chances have led to a string of disappointing results, placing them near the bottom of the table.
Facing a powerhouse like Real Madrid, Elche will need to muster their best efforts to halt their slide and secure points. The Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero will be a tough battleground, but home support and a desire to improve their fortunes could inspire a spirited performance from Los Franjiverdes.
### Where and How to Watch: Broadcast and Streaming Options
For fans eager to catch the action live, the match will be broadcast on ABC in the United States. Additionally, it is available for streaming via ESPN Select, which holds the English and Spanish-language rights for La Liga in the US. This makes it accessible to a broad audience keen to watch the high-stakes encounter unfold in real time.
ESPN has recently revamped its streaming offerings. The new setup divides access into two tiers: ESPN Select and ESPN Unlimited. ESPN Select is the successor to ESPN Plus and costs $12 per month, providing access to La Liga matches, including this one. For viewers wanting a more comprehensive package that includes ESPN’s linear networks such as ESPN, ESPN2, ESP3, ESPNews, and ESPN Deportes alongside ESPN Select’s content, ESPN Unlimited is available at $30 per month.
Besides ESPN, several other streaming services carry ABC, offering alternative ways for viewers to watch the match:
- **Fubo** offers a sports-focused skinny bundle priced at $56 per month, which includes ABC. They provide a 7-day free trial, ideal for catching this match without upfront costs. - **DirecTV MySports** costs $70 per month and carries ABC. It also offers a five-day trial, allowing fans to watch the game for free initially. - **YouTube TV** is priced at $83 per month and includes ABC in its channel lineup. Users can check local channel availability by entering their ZIP code on YouTube TV’s welcome page. - **Hulu Plus Live TV**, also at $83 per month, includes ABC and offers a three-day free trial. Prospective viewers can verify local channel access by entering their ZIP code on Hulu’s live news page. - **Sling Orange** plan, costing $46 monthly, includes ABC and is another budget-friendly option to watch the game.
### Viewing Options Outside the United States
For viewers in the United Kingdom, Premier Sports holds the majority of La Liga broadcasting rights this season. Premier Sports will exclusively televise the Elche vs. Real Madrid match live on its Premier Sports 1 channel and streaming platform, Premier Sports Player. A subscription to the La Liga-dedicated channel is available for £8 per month,