Real Madrid secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Elche in La Liga, with Carlos Espi scoring a late winner to help the Spanish giants move level on 15 points with Barcelona and consolidate second place in the standings.
Real Madrid dominated the first half but were unable to fully capitalise on their opportunities. Vinicius Jr missed three one-on-one chances against Elche goalkeeper Dituro before the hosts eventually took the lead through an own goal in the 25th minute.
Eight minutes later, Kylian Mbappe doubled Real Madrid’s advantage, converting from a cross by Yan Diamonde to register his seventh goal of the season.
Holding a 2-0 lead at half-time, Real Madrid appeared in control but lost momentum after the break. Their defensive vulnerabilities and reduced control in midfield allowed Elche to fight their way back into the contest.
Osorio pulled one goal back with a header in the 71st minute before Nino completed the comeback by scoring the equaliser with seven minutes remaining.
With the game seemingly heading for a draw, Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho introduced Espi and Endrick. The change produced an immediate impact as Jude Bellingham found Mbappe in the 91st minute, with the French forward setting up Espi for the winning goal.
Reflecting on the game, Mourinho said, “The problem seems obvious to me. It is harder to know why, but it is easy to understand that there are matches that seem over and, in the end, are not.”
He added that Real Madrid had created several opportunities to put the game beyond Elche but failed to do so, allowing the opposition to regain confidence and control.
“This kind of Spanish stadium, full and with fantastic supporters, in a game against Real Madrid, they (Elche) fight until the last moment. A goal and the match is wide open,” Mourinho said.
The Real Madrid manager said the team’s ability to respond under pressure and secure the victory was ultimately the most important takeaway from the match.
