Real Madrid beats Elche 3-2 after Carlos Espi scores stoppage-time winner

Stoppage-time winner decides five-goal match

Real Madrid secured a 3-2 victory against Elche at the Estadio Martinez Valero on Tuesday night in the sixth round of La Liga. The visiting side established a two-goal lead during the first half, opening the score in the 25th minute when Elche goalkeeper Matias Dituro deflected the ball into his own net. Kylian Mbappe extended the advantage in the 33rd minute, converting a chance set up by winger Yan Diomande. Elche mounted a second-half response, pulling a goal back in the 71st minute when Abiel Osorio finished from a cross by substitute Lucas Cepeda. Ten minutes later, in the 83rd minute, substitute Fer Nino brought the score level at 2-2 following a delivery from Josan. Real Madrid secured the points in the 91st minute when substitute Carlos Espi, who had replaced Trent Alexander-Arnold in the 87th minute, scored from an Mbappe assist.

Tactical rotations and midfield returns

Manager Jose Mourinho made several tactical adjustments with an eye on the upcoming Madrid derby against Atletico Madrid scheduled five days later. Midfielder Jude Bellingham began the match on the substitutes bench, allowing Arda Guler to take up the central attacking midfield role behind Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Diomande. In central midfield, Aurelien Tchouameni made his return to the starting lineup following recovery from a serious injury, starting alongside Federico Valverde for the first time since their dressing room altercation the previous season. The defensive line featured returns for Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, and Marc Cucurella alongside Ibrahima Konate in front of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, while Rodrygo, Ferland Mendy, and Eder Militao remained sidelined by injuries. Elche manager Anselmi handed a first start to forward Abiel Osorio, supported by German Valera and Tete Morente, while managing without the injured Yago Santiago.

Pre-match tribute and shirt controversy

Prior to kickoff, defender Marc Cucurella received a commemorative plaque and a standing ovation from the crowd in recognition of Spain's World Cup triumph. Both squads were organized to participate in a pre-match tribute to the people of Ceuta by wearing shirts displaying the slogan "todos somos caballas". A controversy emerged when Real Madrid players Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Ibrahima Konate did not lower their outer training tops to display the message, unlike their teammates and the Elche squad. The incident followed online criticism and threats directed at Real Betis winger Ez Abde from Moroccan social media users after he wore the same tribute shirt earlier in the week. Referee Jesus Gil Manzano officiated the fixture, which proceeded without disciplinary dismissals or video assistant referee interruptions.

League positions and derby preparations

The result leaves Elche winless through their first six league fixtures of the campaign, remaining in the relegation zone with two points from two draws and four defeats. Anselmi's side had previously lost 5-0 at home against Barcelona, 3-2 against Real Sociedad, and 3-2 against Racing Santander, alongside 1-1 draws against Deportivo and Athletic Bilbao. Elche also extends a winless streak against Real Madrid in competitive fixtures that dates back to 1978. Real Madrid collected three points to keep pace near the summit of La Liga following recent domestic victories over Rayo Vallecano, Malaga, and Real Sociedad, as well as an opening 2-1 Champions League win against Inter Milan. Mourinho's squad now turns its attention to the derby clash against Atletico Madrid at the weekend.