Carlos Espí scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner on Tuesday to rescue Real Madrid’s hard-fought victory against Elche, saving a match that saw the visitors relinquish a two-goal lead in a thrilling Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero encounter.
Real Madrid and Barcelona Stand Level in La Liga
Real Madrid salvaged a 3-2 win at Elche on Tuesday, surviving a fierce second-half collapse after having established a comfortable two-goal advantage before halftime. The victory pulls the Spanish powerhouse level on points with Barcelona at the top of the La Liga standings, though Los Blancos have played one game more than their rivals. The defending champion can regain the lead when it hosts promoted Racing Santander on Wednesday.
Real Madrid’s Arda Guler celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Elche and Real Madrid in Elche, Spain, Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026. Alberto Saiz/AP Photo/Alberto Saiz
First-Half Control and Early Lead
Arda Güler and Kylian Mbappé Score Before Halftime
The visiting side took control early in the Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero. In the 25th minute, Arda Güler produced a superb free kick that completely fooled the defence. His curling effort towards the goalkeeper’s side struck the goalkeeper, Matías Dituro, and ended up in the back of the net.
Just eight minutes later, Madrid doubled their advantage through Kylian Mbappé, who scored his seventh league goal of the season from close range. After an assist by Yan Diomande, the French striker turned it into the net.
With their confidence high, Mourinho’s players headed into the dressing room with a comfortable two-goal advantage after dominating the opening 45 minutes. There was a bit of a scare immediately after Mbappé scored as he stayed on the ground in visible pain, but he eventually returned to the field after being attended by Madrid doctors.
Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe reacts after suffering an injury during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Elche and Real Madrid in Elche, Spain, Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026. Alberto Saiz/AP Photo/Alberto Saiz
Elche Responds in Second Half
Martin Anselmi’s Elche Fights Back With Second-Half Goals
Real Madrid collapse in the second half allowed Martin Anselmi’s side to fight their way back into the game. Abiel Osorio pulled the hosts closer with a header in the 71st minute, and Fer Niño netted the equalizer in the 83rd minute.
Elche sit second from bottom in LaLiga and have yet to win a league game this season, collecting just two draws from their opening five fixtures. However, the home side pushed the visitors to the limit before Carlos Espí struck in the dying seconds to secure all three points.
We went from having it easy to losing control,
Real Madrid coach José Mourinho said.
Stoppage-Time Winner Secures the Points
Just as Elche appeared poised to complete their comeback, Carlos Espí scored in stoppage time after a nifty move by Jude Bellingham and an assist by Kylian Mbappé to help Real Madrid salvage the victory. Bellingham used a neat long touch to get past an opponent near midfield and fed Mbappé in a breakaway into the area, and the France star quickly set up Espí’s close-range score.
Real Madrid’s Carlos Espi celebrates after scoring his sides third goal during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Elche and Real Madrid in Elche, Spain, Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026. Alberto Saiz/AP Photo/Alberto Saiz
The victory takes Real Madrid level with FC Barcelona at the top of La Liga, capping a dramatic evening at the Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero.