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#3 Zinedine Zidane's new formation falters again
Eyebrows were raised when Real Madrid took to the pitch with a 3-1-4-2 formation, as Sergio Ramos, Raphael Varane and Nacho formed a three-man defence. Vinicius Jr. and Lucas Vasquez operated as wingbacks, but they were thwarted by Jorge Molina and Antonio Barragan on the wings by Elche.
Real Madrid had briefly tried a similar formation against Real Sociedad, and it failed then as well, with Zidane reverting to type after conceding. The onus was on Isco and Fede Valverde to create, but it was all a bit disjointed until Zidane switched to his tried-and-tested 4-3-3, and Luka Modric and Toni Kroos came on.
Perhaps it is with an eye on the UEFA Champions League game against Atalanta that Zidane is attempting to switch things around. However, based on the display against Elche, he'd do well to stick with what works.
#4 Sergio Ramos makes an unhappy return for Real Madrid
The contract stand-off between Real Madrid and Sergio Ramos may have tempted Zinedine Zidane into opting to rest his captain, and in hindsight, he probably may have been better off doing so.
The Spaniard looked quite rusty for the hour he was on the pitch, struggling in the odd moments when Elche made their forays forward. Ramos, as ever, was involved in a fair few penalty shouts, both for and against Real Madrid. He may have been lucky not to concede one as well.
Raphael Varane and Nacho have conceded two goals in their last six games playing together at the back - which came against Real Sociedad and Atletico Madrid, respectively. It may sound like heresy, but perhaps Zidane ought to be thinking of them as a combination against Atalanta instead of adding Ramos into the mix.
#5 La Liga title still within Real Madrid's grasp
Real Madrid are a club that tends to focus on the UEFA Champions League anyway, but Zinedine Zidane will still have his eyes on defending their league title won last season.
Los Blancos are only five points behind Atletico Madrid, who still have to play the likes of Sevilla, Real Sociedad and Barcelona this season.
Madridistas may be getting put through the wringer, but they'd do well to keep faith in a manager and team that have repeatedly grabbed victory from the jaws of defeat.
Whatever the fate of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 knockout tie against Atalanta, Real Madrid have a real chance at the title this season, even with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid finding form.
Los Blancos keep picking up points without playing particularly well, and once they eventually do click into form come the business end of the season, a trophy or two may well be in store.
