Diomande handed another Real Madrid start at Elche

Yan Diomande will make his second consecutive start for Real Madrid when they visit Elche on Tuesday in the sixth round of La Liga. The Ivorian had largely been used as a substitute since arriving at the club, but Jose Mourinho has selected him again for the 21:30 (GMT+2) kick-off.

Diomande made his first Real Madrid start in Saturday’s 4-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano. However, the African player who cost the most in football history struggled to make a significant impact, while many observers felt Arda Guler strengthened his case in their battle for a starting place after coming on as a substitute.

Mourinho has chosen to play the two players together at Elche, with Jude Bellingham rested and named among the substitutes. Morocco international Brahim Diaz is also on the bench. The match therefore gives Diomande another chance to impress, coming one day before Herve Renard is due to announce his squad for Cote d’Ivoire.

Real Madrid head to Elche with 12 points from their opening five league matches. They have won four times, beating Real Sociedad 4-1, Espanyol 2-1, Malaga 4-0 and Rayo Vallecano 4-1.

Their only defeat came away to Betis, who won 1-0 after Kylian Mbappe missed a penalty. Real Madrid have scored 14 goals and conceded four, giving them the second-best attacking record in the division behind FC Barcelona.

Mbappe has already scored seven times in six appearances in all competitions, including twice in the win against Rayo Vallecano. Diomande, meanwhile, is still waiting for his first goal in the Real Madrid shirt.

Elche still seeking first win

Elche’s start to life in the top flight has been considerably more difficult. The promoted side remain without a victory after five matches and have collected only two points.

After drawing 1-1 with Deportivo La Coruna, Elche lost three games in succession. They were beaten 5-0 by FC Barcelona, 3-2 by Racing Santander and 3-2 by Real Sociedad.

That run ended on Saturday when Elche drew 1-1 at Athletic in Bilbao. Facundo Buonanotte scored from the penalty spot to secure a point for Martin Anselmi’s side.

Elche have scored six goals and conceded 13, leaving them with the second-worst defensive record in La Liga. Their meeting with Real Madrid offers Diomande an opportunity to open his account against a defence that has allowed more than two goals per game on average.