Real Madrid survived another second-half collapse to beat Elche 3-2 at the Martinez Valero on Tuesday, with Carlos Espi scoring deep into stoppage time to rescue three points for Jose Mourinho’s side.
Madrid appeared to be in control after taking a 2-0 lead, but Elche responded strongly after the interval and levelled through Osorio and Fer Nino as the visitors’ performance deteriorated.
The result keeps Madrid’s momentum intact ahead of the derby, but the manner of the victory will leave Mourinho with plenty to address after his side once again struggled to maintain their level for the full 90 minutes.
Madrid take control before Elche respond
Real Madrid started the match on the front foot, with Arda Guler and Yan Diomande particularly influential as the visitors looked to impose themselves against an Elche side willing to play proactively.
Madrid eventually broke through when Guler’s free-kick led to Matias Dituro turning the ball into his own net. Kylian Mbappe then added a second to give the visitors what appeared to be a commanding advantage.
Elche, however, refused to retreat. The hosts had enjoyed possession for long periods and grew increasingly confident as Madrid’s intensity faded.
Elche fight back after the break
The second half belonged largely to Elche. With Madrid increasingly passive, the hosts pushed forward and found gaps in the visiting defence.
Osorio pulled one goal back to give Elche renewed belief before Fer Nino completed the comeback to make it 2-2.
Madrid’s inability to protect another lead continued a worrying pattern. The visitors had the opportunity to control the match after establishing a two-goal cushion, but Elche’s energy and persistence turned the contest into a tense finish.
Vinicius Junior struggled to make his usual impact, while Mbappe, despite getting on the scoresheet, was unable to provide Madrid with the control they needed once Elche gained momentum.
Espi delivers Madrid at the death
Just when Elche appeared to have secured a point, Espi produced the decisive moment in stoppage time, sending Madrid back in front and securing a dramatic 3-2 victory.
The late goal spared Madrid from another damaging collapse and maintained their perfect result from the match, although the performance raised fresh questions about their ability to manage games after taking control.
For Elche, the defeat was harsh reward for an ambitious performance. Their willingness to attack and their response after falling two goals behind suggested they could have taken something from the match, but their brave comeback ultimately ended without a point.
Diomande provides encouragement for Madrid
Amid the concerns surrounding Madrid’s second-half performance, Diomande emerged as one of the more encouraging figures on the night.
The youngster showed energy and quality throughout the contest and offered Madrid a positive individual performance as the club prepares for the demanding fixtures ahead.
Madrid leave the Martinez Valero with all three points, but the dramatic finish cannot hide another display in which a comfortable lead became an uncomfortable fight for survival.
With the derby approaching, Mourinho will need his side to find greater consistency across both halves if Madrid are to avoid another repeat of their second-half struggles.
