A stoppage-time tap-in from Carlos Espí rescued Real Madrid from a two-goal collapse, turning a nervy night at the Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero into a 3-2 victory that keeps José Mourinho's side firmly in the title race.
Güler free kick forces Dituro own goal
Real Madrid's opener arrived in the 25th minute through misfortune for Elche goalkeeper Matías Dituro. Arda Güler's free kick struck the post and ricocheted off the goalkeeper into the net, handing the visitors a lead their early pressure had threatened.
Mbappé strikes before Osorio answers
Kylian Mbappé doubled the advantage eight minutes later, finishing from close range after Yan Diomande squared the ball across the box. The two-goal cushion lasted until the 71st minute, when Lucas Cepeda crossed for Abiel Osorio to head Elche back into the contest.
Niño levels before Espí wins it
Fernando Niño completed the comeback in the 83rd minute with a low angled shot that found the net in off the post. But the night's decisive moment belonged to Espí, who converted from Mbappé's square pass after Jude Bellingham had driven through midfield, sealing three points deep into stoppage time.
Elche controlled 56 per cent of possession and registered 11 shots, but Real Madrid's 20 attempts and four on target told the story of a side that created the clearer chances. The hosts remain bottom on two points, still without a clean sheet this season, while Madrid close the gap at the summit to a single point.
Match Information
Competition: La Liga
Date & Time: Tuesday 15 September 2026, 21:30 CET
Venue: Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero, Elche
