Real Madrid’s faltering LaLiga campaign continued as they were held to a 2-2 draw by a spirited Elche side. The result keeps them at the top of the table, but their lead over rivals Barcelona has been slashed to a single point.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side delivered another unconvincing performance and were fortunate to escape with a point. The home team dominated play for long stretches and came within minutes of securing a memorable victory.
Elche proved to be a brave and well-structured opponent, refusing to alter their proactive style against the league leaders. At times, they outmaneuvered Madrid with skillful and coordinated play, leaving the impression that they deserved more than a draw.
The match highlighted Real Madrid’s continued reliance on individual brilliance rather than collective cohesion. When Kylian Mbappé failed to be the difference-maker, the team struggled. It was left to Jude Bellingham’s leadership to salvage a point with a controversial late equalizer.
Bellingham’s 87th-minute goal was shrouded in controversy. In the buildup, Vinícius Jr. made clear contact with Elche goalkeeper Iñaki Peña inside the six-yard box. The challenge, which went unpunished by the referee, reportedly left the keeper with a bloody nose and drew furious protests from the home side.
Despite conceding the late goal, Peña was the game’s standout performer. The Elche keeper made a series of impressive saves in both halves and could do little to prevent either of Madrid’s goals. For the visitors, only Thibaut Courtois and Marco Asensio, alongside Mbappé, delivered noteworthy performances in an otherwise dismal team display.
The draw leaves Real Madrid on 32 points. Elche moves to 11th place with 16 points. Madrid will now turn its attention to a midweek Champions League fixture against Olympiacos before traveling to face Girona, while Elche will visit Getafe in their next league match.
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