Bellingham strikes late, Huijsen sets record as Elche hold Real Madrid to 2-2 draw | OneFootball

Elche held Real Madrid to a 2-2 draw in La Liga on Sunday evening at Manuel Martínez Valero.

The hosts started the game promisingly, with Grady Diangana seeing a shot from inside the box blocked before goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois saved Rafa Mir’s shot.

Courtois made another save just before the half-hour mark to deny the Spanish striker from giving Elche the lead.

Kylian Mbappe then called goalkeeper Inaki Pena into action at the other end with a right-footed shot from inside the area.

Moments later, Pena was alert again to keep out the league’s top scorer after Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cross.

The first half ended with both sides creating multiple chances to break the deadlock, but they failed to find the back of the net.

Madrid started the second half on the front foot, with Rodrygo, Dean Huijsen and Alexander-Arnold missing chances to give the visitors the lead.

Elche scored with their first real chance as Aleix Febas made a run behind Madrid’s backline and guided the ball past the outstretched Courtois.

Substitute Gonzalo Garcia should have drawn Madrid level with a header from the six-yard box, but he could not hit the target.

Huijsen put Madrid back on level terms, squeezing the ball into the net, becoming the youngest defender to score in LaLiga this term.

Six minutes from time Alvaro Rodriguez restored Elche’s lead with a brilliant individual effort, sending the home fans into wild jubilation.

However, moments later, Bellingham snatched a point for Madrid with a calm finish.

Xabi Alonso’s side are now just one point clear of reigning champions Barcelona, who beat Athletic Club 4-0 on Saturday.