Real Madrid Triumphs Over Elche with Late Winner from Carlos Espi
Match Summary
File image of Carlos Espí(Photo: @brfootball/X)
Madrid, Sep 16: In a thrilling encounter, Real Madrid secured a 3-2 victory against Elche, thanks to a last-minute goal from substitute Carlos Espi during the sixth round of La Liga.
This win brings Jose Mourinho's team to 15 points out of a possible 18, putting them on equal footing with FC Barcelona, who are set to face Racing Santander at home on Wednesday.
Real Madrid initially took control of the match in the 25th minute when a free kick from Arda Guler was inadvertently redirected into the net by Elche's goalkeeper Matias Dituro. Kylian Mbappe extended the lead to 2-0 just eight minutes later, scoring with a header from a cross by Yan Diomande. However, Mbappe had another goal disallowed for offside shortly before halftime, as reported by Xinhua.
After the break, Elche made a strong comeback. Ariel Osorio reduced the deficit with a goal around the 70-minute mark after outmaneuvering Dean Huijsen. Fer Nino then equalized in the 83rd minute, capitalizing on a defensive error by Marc Cucurella. Just when it seemed Elche would secure a draw, Espi linked up with Jude Bellingham and Mbappe to net the winner in the 91st minute.
In other matches, Valencia achieved their first victory of the season, defeating Deportivo Alaves 1-0 under the guidance of B-team coach Oscar Sanchez, who stepped in after Carlos Corberan's recent dismissal.
Luis Rioja scored the decisive goal in the 78th minute following a brilliant play by Javi Guerra, although he had to leave the field due to injury shortly after. Valencia had a goal disallowed in the first half, while Alaves squandered multiple scoring opportunities.
Rayo Vallecano also enjoyed success, winning 2-1 against Espanyol at Leganes' Butarque Stadium. Alvaro Garcia opened the scoring just three minutes in, and Adria Pedrosa doubled the lead in the 26th minute. Despite Espanyol's efforts in the second half, including a goal from Raul Fernandez in the 54th minute, Rayo held on for a crucial win.