Real Madrid Survives Late Scare Against Elche
Carlos Espí struck in stoppage time to drag Real Madrid over the line at Elche, finishing off a dazzling move from Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé as the champions survived a major scare in a 3-2 win on Tuesday.
With Madrid’s two-goal cushion already gone and the game drifting towards a damaging draw, Bellingham seized control near midfield. One long, elegant touch took him past his marker and into space, and suddenly Elche were exposed. He slid the ball into Mbappé’s path on the break, the France star surged into the area and squared unselfishly for Espí, who tucked in from close range. Relief for Madrid. Deflation for Elche.
The late winner lifted Madrid level on points with Barcelona at the top of La Liga. The defending champions now have the chance to move clear when they host promoted Racing Santander on Wednesday.
Madrid wobble, then escape
For an hour, it looked routine. Madrid went ahead in the 25th minute when Matías Dituro turned the ball into his own net, and the visitors began to cruise. Eight minutes later, Yan Diomande slipped a smart pass into the box and Mbappé did the rest from close range, sweeping in Madrid’s second to seemingly kill the contest.
Elche refused to accept the script.
Abiel Osorio dragged the hosts back into the match in the 71st minute with a firm header, igniting the crowd and unsettling a Madrid side that had been in control. The pressure mounted, and in the 83rd minute Fer Niño pounced to level, completing a comeback that left Carlo Ancelotti’s team reeling.
Just when Madrid looked vulnerable, their new superstar axis bailed them out.
There had been a moment of anxiety earlier in the night. Immediately after his first-half goal, Mbappé stayed down in clear pain, surrounded by concerned teammates and medical staff. He eventually rose and continued, and his influence never faded. He even had a second goal ruled out for offside just before the break.
Mbappé’s strike took him to seven goals in six league matches, one more than Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Sergio Camello and Roberto Fernández. He arrived on the back of a brace in the 4-1 win over Rayo Vallecano in the previous round and continues to set the pace in the scoring charts.
Madrid’s only league slip so far came away to Real Betis two rounds ago. Performances like this, though thrilling, will keep reminding them that the margins at the top are thin.
Valencia respond to upheaval
Elsewhere, Valencia finally snapped a four-game losing streak with a gritty 1-0 win at Alaves that also ended the hosts’ unbeaten start to the season.
The victory came after a dramatic shake-up at the club. Coach Carlos Corberán and soccer CEO Ron Gourlay were both dismissed over the weekend following a dismal run in which Valencia had been outscored 10-1. Braulio Vázquez has come in as sporting director, with B-team coach Óscar Sánchez stepping up as interim manager.
On the pitch, Luis Rioja delivered the release valve. His 78th-minute winner gave Valencia a badly needed three points and a foothold to rebuild under new leadership.
The mood around the club has been toxic. Supporters, furious after a 5-0 home humiliation against Barcelona, had turned on the squad, labelling players “mercenaries” and once again voicing their long-standing demand for owner Peter Lim to leave. One goal will not fix years of frustration, but it offers at least a pause in the anger.
Rayo’s borrowed home, same sharp edge
Rayo Vallecano continued to make the most of their temporary exile at Butarque Stadium, beating Espanyol 2-1 with two first-half blows from Álvaro García and Adria Pedrosa.
Playing their “home” fixtures at the ground of second-tier Leganes because of unsafe conditions at Vallecas, Rayo have turned Butarque into a surprisingly friendly base. They had already beaten Racing Santander 3-2 and drawn 1-1 with Alaves there. This latest win may prove to be their farewell to the borrowed venue before a return to Vallecas.
Espanyol refused to go quietly. Roberto Fernández struck in stoppage time for his sixth goal in six matches, extending his own superb run even as the team fell short.
Madrid survive, Valencia breathe again, Rayo pack up from Butarque with another win. The table is starting to take shape, but with the champions still flirting with danger and the discontent in Valencia simmering, this season does not look ready to settle any time soon.
