Real Madrid needed a stoppage-time winner to close off a spirited Elche side who nearly pulled off a miracle comeback. For Madrid, while the performance was not the most convincing, the three points secured will be more than enough for them as they look ahead to the Madrid Derby this weekend.
Guler and Mbappe give Madrid control
Madrid broke the deadlock in the 25th minute through a moment of brilliance from Arda Guler. The free-kick taken by the young Turkish midfielder bolted off the post and seemed to have knicked off Elche keeper Dituro before crossing the line. While Guler will take full responsibility for his well-hit shot, the goal will be marked down as a Dituro own-goal.
Mbappé doubled Madrid’s advantage in the 33rd minute, scoring his 7th La Liga goal of the season. New signing Yan Diomande found space behind the Elche defense before squaring it across goal for a sliding Mbappé to convert. With all the momentum in Madrid’s favor, all roads pointed to Los Blancos running away with the match in similar fashion to FC Barcelona’s 5-0 win earlier in the season.
Elche fought back before Madrid’s late winner
Despite the goal deficit, Elche fought their way back into the match. Abiel Osorio scored Elche’s first of the night in the 71st minute. The Argentine striker rose to head home an inviting cross from Cepeda, who had dribbled past several challenges on the left wing. Just past the 80-minute mark, substitute Fer Niño leveled the score at 2-2. Latching onto a lay-off from Josan, Niño drilled a low shot beyond Thibaut Courtois and absolutely ignited the Elche crowd.
With the match headed for a draw, Madrid struck in the first minute of stoppage time to snatch the three points. Jude Bellingham slipped a ball in behind the Elche defense for Mbappé, who selflessly squared it across goal for Carlos Espí to tap home into an empty net.
What’s next for Madrid?
Real Madrid’s next match is a trip to the Metropolitano for a Madrid derby against Atletico Madrid on Sunday. Los Blancos will be hoping not to repeat their mistakes from last season’s away match vs. Atletico. After a perfect start to life under Xabi Alonso, Madrid’s season took a turn following their 5-2 defeat at the Metropolitano.
