Real Madrid woes continue as Elche secure draw in breathless La Liga clash | OneFootball

Elche 2-2 Real Madrid

Real Madrid have failed to win for the third match running, as they played out an entertaining draw against Elche at the Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero.

Xabi Alonso gave rare starts to the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dani Ceballos and Rodrygo Goes, and the former almost got himself an assist early on. He floated a wonderful goal into the path of Kylian Mbappe, but with only Inaki Pena to beat, the Frenchman fired his effort straight at the on-loan Barcelona goalkeeper.

Mbappe missed another big chance later in the half, as did Rafa Mir, who saw his effort saved by Thibaut Courtois following a mistake from Alvaro Carreras. However, it mattered little for Elche as they took the lead eight minutes into the second period, with former La Fabrica star Aleix Febas tapping home the opening goal following a fine team move.

Image via Angel Martinez/Getty Images

However, with 12 minutes of normal time to go, Real Madrid found themselves an equaliser. Trent’s corner found its way to Dean Huijsen, who volleyed home from close range to make it 1-1. But they were not on level terms for long, as another former La Fabrica talent struck – this time, it was Alvaro Rodriguez.

Fortunately for Real Madrid, they were able to level again minutes later, and it was Jude Bellingham that continued his fine form with another goal. Kylian Mbappe kept the ball alive following a free-kick, which allowed the Englishman to tap home from close range.

Real Madrid regain La Liga lead – but only just

Real Madrid pressed for a winning goal, but despite Victor Chust being sent off for Elche after he saw a second yellow card, they were not able to get it. As such, it is now three matches in a row without a victory for Los Blancos, following a defeat to Liverpool and draw at Rayo Vallecano prior to the international break. However, they have gone back to the top of La Liga, albeit only by a solitary point over Barcelona.