Espi saves Real Madrid with late winner at Elche

In an electrifying finale on Tuesday, Real Madrid secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Elche, pulling them level at the summit of La Liga. Substitute Carlos Espi delivered the game-winning goal in the 91st minute, sealing a crucial result after Madrid relinquished a two-goal lead. This marks Espi's first goal for the club despite not starting a match for Real Madrid this season; both his goals have been decisive for Jose Mourinho's side.

Currently, Madrid boasts five wins from six games, tied with La Liga champions Barcelona, who will host Racing Santander on Wednesday. Mourinho praised Espi's motivation despite the challenge of playing alongside Kylian Mbappe, who scored for Madrid in the match. The veteran coach expressed disappointment over his team's failure to maintain their 2-0 advantage, allowing Elche to mount a fightback.

Mourinho substituted Jude Bellingham for the first time this season, introducing Arda Guler to the lineup. Players from both teams wore T-shirts in solidarity with residents of Ceuta, a Spanish city in North Africa grappling with a migration crisis, though several players partially obscured the message "we are all Ceutans" in their T-shirts.

While Vinicius Junior struggled with recent form, failing to capitalize on several opportunities, he drilled a shot wide during the game. Elche nearly seized a point early on, equalising just before halftime through Abiel Osorio, but Madrid quickly responded with goals from Guler and Mbappe to take a commanding lead. In the second half, Madrid extended their lead, and despite a late comeback by Elche, including a goal from Nino, the visitors could not overcome the deficit.

Valencia claimed their first win of the season with a 1-0 victory over Alaves, while Rayo Vallecano triumphed 2-1 over Espanyol.