In a closely contested La Liga matchup, Real Madrid managed to edge past Elche with a last-minute goal, securing a 3-2 victory and moving level on points with Barcelona. The win on Tuesday night was highlighted by a dramatic finish, as substitute Carlos Espi scored the decisive goal in the 91st minute.
Real Madrid initially appeared to have the game under control, taking a two-goal lead in the first half. Arda Guler’s free-kick set the stage, ricocheting off the post and then Elche’s goalkeeper Matias Dituro to cross the line. The lead was extended by Kylian Mbappe, who capitalized on a cross from Yan Diomande to make it 2-0.
Elche mounted a robust comeback in the second half. Abiel Osorio narrowed the gap by heading in a cross from Lucas Cepeda, and the home crowd erupted when Nino scored the equalizer in the 83rd minute. Despite the setback, Madrid’s manager, Jose Mourinho, introduced fresh legs in the form of Espi and Endrick to press for a winner.
The decisive moment arrived in stoppage time when Mbappe set up Espi at the back post, allowing the young forward to claim his second crucial goal of the season. Espi’s contribution was pivotal, having previously scored a late winner against Espanyol. His timely intervention ensured Madrid’s fifth win in six league matches.
Elsewhere in the league, Valencia celebrated their first win of the season with a narrow 1-0 victory over Alaves, while Rayo Vallecano secured a 2-1 triumph over Espanyol. Meanwhile, Barcelona will look to reclaim their solitary place at the top of the standings when they face Racing Santander on Wednesday.