Real Madrid snatch dramatic 3-2 win over Elche with stoppage-time strike by Espí

Sports

ELCHE, Spain (NPA) — Real Madrid edged Elche 3-2 on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, with Carlos Espí scoring in stoppage time to seal victory after the hosts had fought back from two goals down at the Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero.

The victory moved José Mourinho’s side level on points with Barcelona at the top of the La Liga table after six matches.

Real Madrid took the lead in the 25th minute when Elche goalkeeper Matías Dituro turned Arda Güler’s free kick into his own net.

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The visitors doubled their advantage eight minutes later when Kylian Mbappé finished clinically from a pass by Yan Diomande, giving Madrid a 2-0 lead at half-time.

Elche responded strongly after the break and reduced the deficit in the 71st minute through Abiel Osorio, whose header gave the home side renewed belief.

The hosts completed their comeback in the 83rd minute when substitute Fernando Niño found the net to make it 2-2.

With the match appearing destined for a draw, Madrid found a decisive breakthrough in the 90+1st minute.

Mbappé provided the assist for Espí, who finished from close range to restore Madrid’s lead and secure the 3-2 victory.

The goal marked another late intervention from Espí, who had already produced a stoppage-time winner earlier in the season.

The result leaves Real Madrid with 15 points from six matches, keeping them level on points with Barcelona at the top of the table, while Elche remain without a victory after six league games.

The match also highlighted Madrid’s attacking threat and the defensive difficulties they faced after the interval, as Elche used the second half to recover from a two-goal deficit before Espí’s late intervention settled the contest.