Real Madrid snatch 3–2 win after Elche fight back

Real Madrid survived a dramatic second-half collapse before Carlos Espí scored in stoppage time to secure a 3–2 victory over Elche at Estadio Martínez Valero.

Real looked in complete control after taking a two-goal lead into half-time, but Elche produced a remarkable response after the break. Abiel Osorio and Fer Niño scored within 10 minutes of each other to bring the hosts level before Real Madrid found a late winner.

The result gave Jose Mourinho’s side a fifth La Liga victory of the season and moved them level on points with Barcelona at the top of the table, although Real Madrid have played one more match.

Real Madrid take control before half-time

Real Madrid established a comfortable advantage in the opening half and could have gone into the interval with an even bigger lead.

Their opener arrived in the 25th minute and was officially recorded as an own goal by Elche goalkeeper Matias Dituro.

However, the goal followed an outstanding free-kick from Arda Guler. The midfielder curled his set-piece over the wall and towards the far side of the goal. The ball struck the left-hand post before grazing Dituro and ending up in the net.

Real doubled their advantage eight minutes later through Kylian Mbappe.

Valverde found Dioumande on the right, with the resulting move allowing the ball to reach Mbappe. The French forward managed to get his shot away despite contact with the goalkeeper, sending the ball into the corner.

Real Madrid could have put the game beyond Elche before the break, with Vinicius Junior wasting several opportunities.

Those missed chances would become increasingly significant as the second half unfolded.

Elche produce stunning comeback

Rather than protecting their two-goal advantage by continuing to control the game, Real Madrid allowed Elche back into the contest.

The hosts began creating opportunity after opportunity before finally finding a way through with 20 minutes remaining.

Substitute Cepeda's run drew Real Madrid defenders towards him and created space centrally. When the Chilean delivered his cross, Abiel Osorio had room to attack the ball and head it down beyond Thibaut Courtois.

The goal gave Elche renewed belief, and Real Madrid soon found themselves under further pressure.

Ten minutes later, the comeback was complete.

Lamar found Osorio, who picked out Fer Niño in the middle. The substitute had enough time to choose his spot before finishing to make it 2–2.

After surrendering their commanding advantage, Real Madrid were suddenly facing the possibility of dropping points against the league's basement side.

Carlos Espí delivers late Real Madrid winner

The equaliser finally forced Real Madrid to respond.

The visitors pushed forward in search of a winning goal and eventually found the decisive opening by exploiting Elche's high defensive line.

Mbappe received possession just inside the Elche half and immediately accelerated down the left. The France forward then slid the ball across to Carlos Espí in the middle.

Espí kept his composure to finish the move and restore Real Madrid's lead in the 90+1st minute.

The 21-year-old's late strike completed a dramatic 3–2 victory and spared Real Madrid from the consequences of throwing away a two-goal advantage.

Real Madrid survive major scare at Elche

Real Madrid appeared to be cruising after Guler's free-kick and Mbappe's finish had established a 2–0 lead.

Instead, Elche capitalised on Real's second-half passivity and scored twice in 10 minutes to level the contest.

Real eventually recovered to find the winner, but their performance left plenty of room for criticism after they had appeared to have the match under control.

The victory nevertheless secured another three points for Mourinho's side and moved them level with Barcelona at the top of La Liga after six matchdays, with Real having played one additional game.

Elche, meanwhile, were left empty-handed despite their spirited second-half comeback. They will next face Espanyol on Friday, when they will look to build on their improved second-half display and turn their performance into points.

SportsLigue