Real Madrid secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Elche on Tuesday, with substitute Carlos Espi scoring a decisive goal in stoppage time. The win places Real Madrid level on points with Barcelona at the top of La Liga.
Madrid appeared to dominate early in the match, taking a two-goal lead. Arda Guler initiated the scoring with a free-kick that rebounded off the post and then into the net via Elche goalkeeper Matias Dituro. Kylian Mbappe extended the lead shortly after, converting a cross from Yan Diomande.
However, Elche mounted a strong second-half comeback. Abiel Osorio headed in a goal from Lucas Cepeda’s cross, and Nino equalized in the 83rd minute, setting the stage for a tense finish.
As the match neared its conclusion, Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho introduced Carlos Espi and Endrick in an effort to clinch the win. Espi, who had joined Madrid from Levante during the summer, capitalized on a pass from Mbappe to score the winning goal at the back post in the 91st minute.
This victory marks Madrid’s fifth win in six league matches, aligning them with defending champions Barcelona, who are set to play Racing Santander on Wednesday. In other La Liga matches, Valencia earned their first victory of the season by defeating Alaves 1-0, and Rayo Vallecano triumphed over Espanyol with a 2-1 scoreline.
