Real Madrid Stage Dramatic Comeback to Beat Elche 3-2 with Stoppage-Time Winner
AM730 · 2 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN
Summary
Real Madrid survived a major scare on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, when they came from ahead twice to defeat Elche 3-2 in a dramatic La Liga encounter at Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero. The defending champions looked set for a comfortable victory after leading 2-0 at half-time, only to collapse defensively and allow the league's bottom club to equalize. Substitute Carlos Espi, a 21-year-old academy graduate, emerged as the hero by converting Kylian Mbappe's cross in the 91st minute to secure all three points for Los Blancos .
Key Points
- Arda Guler opened the scoring in the 25th minute with a free kick that struck the post and bounced off Elche goalkeeper Matias Dituro into the net
- Kylian Mbappe doubled the lead in the 33rd minute, finishing from close range after a right-wing cross by Nabil Dirar
- Elche mounted a stunning comeback with two goals in 12 minutes, first through Abiel Osorio's header in the 71st minute and then Fer Nino's strike in the 83rd minute
- Carlos Espi came off the bench and scored the winner in the 91st minute, converting Mbappe's cross into an empty net
- The victory leaves Real Madrid second in the table with 15 points from 6 games, equal on points with leaders Barcelona who have a game in hand
Why It Matters
Manager Mourinho's post-match criticism about abandoning control after taking a comfortable lead exposes a recurring tactical vulnerability that could prove costly against stronger opponents. With Barcelona's momentum building following their impressive start to the season, Real Madrid cannot afford such defensive lapses if they hope to reclaim the league title from their eternal rivals .
Manager Mourinho's post-match criticism about abandoning control after taking a comfortable lead exposes a recurring tactical vulnerability that could prove costly against stronger opponents. With Barcelona's momentum building following their impressive start to the season, Real Madrid cannot afford such defensive lapses if they hope to reclaim the league title from their eternal rivals .