Late Drama as Elche Hold Real Madrid to a Thrilling 2-2 Draw
Real Madrid needed a late Jude Bellingham equaliser to rescue a 2-2 draw against Elche after a frantic finale in which three goals were scored in the final 12 minutes at the Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero.
Elche and Real Madrid delivered one of the most dramatic matches of the La Liga weekend, finishing 2-2 after a chaotic ending at the Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero. Three of the game’s four goals came in the closing stages, and the momentum swung wildly in both directions before Madrid salvaged a point deep into stoppage time.
After a goalless first half filled with missed opportunities at both ends, the match burst into life eight minutes into the second period. Elche captain Aleix Febas opened the scoring with a sharp finish inside the box after combining brilliantly with Germán Valera, who slipped him through with a delightful backheel. It was a moment of pure quality that put the home side ahead and lifted the atmosphere inside the stadium.
Real Madrid, who had failed to score in their previous two matches, struggled to find their rhythm and looked increasingly frustrated. But their breakthrough finally arrived in the 78th minute when Jude Bellingham flicked on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s corner, allowing Dean Huijsen to pounce from close range and level the score. The equaliser shifted the momentum sharply in Madrid’s favour, and they pushed forward in search of a winner.
However, Elche weren’t finished. Just six minutes later, former Real Madrid player Álvaro Rodríguez collected the ball near the halfway line, drove at the visiting defence and created space with a clever feint before unleashing a left-footed strike. The shot skipped past Thibaut Courtois and into the corner, restoring Elche’s lead and sending the home supporters into a frenzy.
Madrid refused to accept defeat, and their persistence paid off in the 87th minute. Kylian Mbappé stretched acrobatically to keep a loose ball in play, delivering a low cross into the centre of the box. Bellingham timed his run perfectly to tap home from close range, completing a dramatic late equaliser and rescuing a crucial point for Los Blancos.
The closing moments remained tense, with Madrid going close again through Fran Garcia and Elche being reduced to 10 men when Victor Chust received a second yellow card for pulling Mbappé’s shirt. Ultimately, neither side could find a decisive final touch, and the match ended level.
Madrid finished with an impressive 3.33 expected goals compared to Elche’s 1.67, underlining their attacking pressure. But Elche’s resilience and clinical late counterpunch ensured they extended their unbeaten home run and earned a valuable point against the title contenders.
Real Madrid now turn their attention to a midweek trip to Olympiacos, while Elche prepare for a visit to Getafe as they continue their strong home form this season.
