Real Madrid surrendered a two-goal advantage before substitute Carlos Espí struck in stoppage time to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory over Elche.
Arda Güler opened the scoring with a superb free kick in the 25th minute, while Kylian Mbappé doubled Madrid’s lead eight minutes later. Elche fought back through A. Osorio and Fer Niño, but Espí scored the decisive goal in the 90+1 minute to rescue all three points for José Mourinho’s side.
The victory was Real Madrid’s third in succession, continuing their strong run despite a nervy second-half performance.
Arda Güler Opens the Scoring With Stunning Free Kick
Real Madrid broke the deadlock after 25 minutes through a moment of individual brilliance from Güler.
The Turkish midfielder produced a spectacular free-kick finish, finding the net to give the visitors a deserved advantage. His goal added further evidence of his technical quality and growing influence in Madrid’s attack.
With Elche still recovering from the opener, Real Madrid quickly took control of the contest.
Mbappé Makes It 2-0 for Real Madrid
Mbappé doubled Madrid’s lead in the 33rd minute, placing Mourinho’s team in a commanding position before halftime.
The French forward finished the match with both a goal and an assist, taking his remarkable total to 10 goal contributions in six appearances. His latest performance demonstrated why he remains the central figure in Real Madrid’s attack.
At 2-0, the visitors appeared to be cruising toward a comfortable victory. Elche, however, delivered an impressive response after the break.
Elche Fight Back From Two Goals Down
The hosts reduced the deficit through A. Osorio in the 71st minute, transforming the atmosphere and bringing Elche back into the contest.
Real Madrid struggled to restore their earlier control, allowing the home side to build momentum. That pressure eventually produced an equaliser in the 83rd minute, when Fer Niño found the net to make it 2-2.
Having led by two goals, Madrid suddenly faced the possibility of dropping points. Elche’s comeback left the visitors searching for a decisive response during a tense finish.
Carlos Espí Scores 90+1-Minute Winner
That response came from substitute Carlos Espí.
With the match entering stoppage time, Espí struck in the 90+1 minute to restore Real Madrid’s lead and seal a thrilling 3-2 victory. His late intervention rescued all three points after Elche had threatened to complete a remarkable turnaround.
The dramatic winner reinforced Espí’s reputation as a decisive option from the bench. When Madrid needed one final contribution, the substitute delivered at precisely the right moment.
Diomande also registered his first assist, providing another positive for Mourinho from a match packed with individual milestones.
Three Consecutive Wins for Mourinho’s Real Madrid
Real Madrid will have concerns about the way they allowed a two-goal lead to disappear, but their ability to find a winning goal under pressure proved decisive.
Mourinho’s men have now recorded three victories in a row. With Mbappé continuing his outstanding form, Güler producing moments of magic and Espí emerging as a match-winning substitute, Madrid’s attacking options once again made the difference.
Elche deserve credit for an inspired second-half fightback, but Espí ensured their efforts would not earn them a share of the points.
Elche vs Real Madrid Match Summary
Final score: Elche 2-3 Real Madrid
Goalscorers:
- Arda Güler — 25′
- Kylian Mbappé — 33′
- A. Osorio — 71′
- Fer Niño — 83′
- Carlos Espí — 90+1′
Key statistics:
- Mbappé: One goal and one assist
- Mbappé’s recent record: 10 goal contributions in six appearances
- Diomande: First assist
- Real Madrid: Three consecutive victories
