Real Madrid Secures Late 3-2 La Liga Victory Over Elche

Real Madrid secured a 3-2 La Liga victory against Elche after Carlos Espí scored in stoppage time on Tuesday, moving the club level on points with Barcelona. The win came despite Madrid relinquishing a two-lead during the match.

Espí's Stoppage-Time Decider

Carlos Espí netted the winning following a play initiated by Jude Bellingham near midfield. Bellingham advanced the ball, passing to Kylian Mbappé, who then set up Espí for a close-range finish. This late prevented a draw after Elche had equalized in the final minutes of regular play.

Madrid's Early Advantage

Real Madrid initially took the lead in the 25th minute through an own-by Elche goalkeeper Matías Dituro, who deflected an Arda Guler free kick into his net. Kylian Mbappé extended Madrid's advantage in the 33rd minute, scoring from close range after an assist from Yan Diomande. Mbappé's marked his seventh in six league matches.

Elche's Second-Half Rally

Elche began its comeback in the second half when Abiel Osorio scored with a header in the 71st minute. Fer Niño then netted the equalizer in the 83rd minute, bringing the score to 2-2. Real Madrid coach José Mourinho acknowledged the team's loss of control but praised their reaction under pressure to secure the win.

League Standings Shift

The victory places Real Madrid alongside Barcelona in the league table. Defending champion Barcelona has an opportunity to reclaim the lead when it hosts promoted Racing Santander on Wednesday. Madrid's only league setback this season occurred two rounds prior against Real Betis.

Valencia Ends Losing Streak

In another La Liga match, Valencia defeated Alaves 1-0, ending a four-game losing streak and securing its first win of the season. Luis Rioja scored the decisive in the 78th minute. The club had recently fired coach Carlos Corberán and CEO Ron Gourlay, appointing Braulio Vázquez as sporting director and Óscar Sánchez as interim manager.