Jude Bellingham goal bails out Real Madrid, saves point
Jude Bellingham scored a dramatic 87th-minute equaliser as Real Madrid salvaged a 2-2 draw against Elche at the Martínez Valero Stadium on Sunday, extending their lead over Barcelona at the top of LaLiga. Álvaro Rodríguez had put the hosts ahead with six minutes of normal time remaining, threatening to hand Elche their first win in six games.
The match began as an open contest, with both sides creating numerous chances but failing to convert in the first half. Kylian Mbappé squandered an early opportunity when he fired wide after a through ball from Raúl Asencio, while André Silva also missed for the hosts from German Valera’s cross. Thibaut Courtois produced a series of key saves, notably denying Rafa Mir after Héctor Fort intercepted Álvaro Carreras, ensuring the half ended goalless.
Elche broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute when Aleix Febas capitalised on Valera’s backheel to beat Courtois from close range. Real Madrid responded with a series of substitutions under coach Xabi Alonso, introducing Vinícius Júnior to inject pace and creativity. The visitors levelled in the 78th minute as defender Dean Huijsen capitalised on a loose ball from a corner.
Elche appeared to seize victory when Rodríguez struck from the edge of the box in the 84th minute, delighting the home fans with the prospect of a historic win. However, Bellingham ensured Real Madrid left with a point, slotting home from a free-kick scramble three minutes later, despite goalkeeper Iñaki Peña’s appeals for a foul. Late frustration for Elche was compounded when Víctor Chust received a second yellow card for a foul on Mbappé in stoppage time.
Alonso reflected on the result, saying, “We’re not as happy as we could be, but we want to get back to good results and good form. The team is still competing, and we have to respond to adversity. We analyse each game and aim to improve.”
The draw maintains Real Madrid’s slender advantage at the top of LaLiga, demonstrating their resilience and depth, particularly with Bellingham’s composure under pressure. For Elche, the result is a missed opportunity, but their performance highlighted their capacity to challenge elite teams, underscoring the competitive balance in Spain’s top flight.