Real Madrid secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Elche in La Liga on Tuesday, with substitute Carlos Espí scoring an added-time winner to seal all three points for the visitors.
Madrid took the lead in the 25th minute when Elche goalkeeper Matías Dituro turned the ball into his own net.
Kylian Mbappé then doubled the advantage eight minutes later with a composed right-footed finish as the visitors appeared to be in control.
Elche, however, responded strongly after the break and pulled one back in the 71st minute.
Lucas Cepeda delivered a cross from the right, which Abiel Osorio met with a powerful header to reduce the deficit.
The hosts completed their comeback 12 minutes later when Josan supplied Fernando Niño, who fired a right-footed effort from the left side of the attack to make it 2-2.
Real Madrid continued to push for a winner and were rewarded in the first minute of added time.
Mbappé slipped a pass through to Espí, who finished from close range to restore Madrid’s lead and secure a thrilling victory.
Elche enjoyed 56 per cent possession and completed more passes than Madrid, but the visitors created the clearer opportunities.
Madrid registered 20 shots to Elche’s 11 and had five big chances, while their expected-goals figure was significantly higher.
Mbappé was central to Madrid’s victory, scoring one goal and providing the assist for Espí’s decisive strike.
The result gives Madrid another important victory in their La Liga campaign, while Elche were left to rue conceding so late after fighting back from two goals down.
