Elche Vs Real Madrid: Full Match Report From A Dramatic 2-2 Draw
Elche and Real Madrid delivered one of the most entertaining matches of the La Liga weekend, finishing in a dramatic 2-2 draw at the Martínez Valero. Real Madrid entered the match under pressure, having failed to win their previous two games, while Elche looked determined to take advantage of the visitors’ shaky spell.
The match remained goalless in the first half, before exploding into life after the break. Elche took the lead twice, Real Madrid equalised twice, and the evening became a story of composure, mistakes, late drama and momentum swings. The result leaves both teams with mixed feelings as the season intensifies.
First Half: Even Battle With No Breakthrough
The first 45 minutes saw both sides pushing to control the match. Real Madrid started aggressively, with Kylian Mbappé and Arda Güler taking up threatening positions and forcing Elche’s defenders into constant action. The visitors dominated many of the early touches in the final third.
Elche, however, were lively on the counterattack. Each time they found space, they transitioned with purpose, showing confidence and energy. Their movements unsettled Real Madrid during moments of defensive disorganisation.
Despite the flow of chances and half-moments, both teams went into the interval at 0-0. Real Madrid carried more attacking intent, but Elche’s structure and discipline prevented a breakthrough.
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Second Half Breaks Open: Febas Strikes First
The second half started with a burst of quality from the home side. In the 53rd minute, Germán Valera produced a brilliant back-heel pass that broke Real Madrid’s defensive line. Aleix Febas arrived perfectly and calmly slotted the ball past Thibaut Courtois, putting Elche 1-0 ahead.
The goal gave Elche confidence and forced Real Madrid into more urgent attacking transitions. The hosts defended deep, absorbed pressure and looked for quick outlets while Real Madrid pushed numbers forward.
Huijsen Levels the Score for Real Madrid
Real Madrid finally found a response in the 78th minute. From a corner situation that caused chaos in the penalty box, Dean Huijsen reacted first and fired the ball into the net to make it 1-1.
This goal triggered Real Madrid’s strongest spell of the match. Their press became more aggressive, movement quicker and combination play more fluid. Elche were pushed back into their defensive half as Real hunted for a winner.
But the hosts were not done yet.
Álvaro Rodríguez Restores Elche’s Lead
Just when Real Madrid looked in control, Elche struck again. In the 84th minute, Álvaro Rodríguez controlled a pass on the edge of the area and drilled a low shot into the corner, beating Courtois and restoring Elche’s lead at 2-1.
The Martínez Valero erupted. Elche had taken the lead for the second time, showing clinical finishing and punishing Real Madrid in key moments.
Real Madrid were suddenly facing another defeat in a difficult run of games.
Bellingham Saves Real Madrid at the Death
The visitors avoided defeat thanks to a late intervention. In the 87th minute, Mbappé kept the ball alive near the by-line and delivered a decisive cut-back into the penalty area. Jude Bellingham arrived and guided the finish into the net, bringing Real Madrid level at 2-2.
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Real Madrid tried to force a winner but lacked time. Elche held firm in the final minutes to secure a point from a match in which they had twice led.
Key Stats and Tactical Notes
Madrid dominated several advanced metrics during the match. They produced a higher expected threat (xT) value of 6.61 compared to Elche’s 4.56, highlighting their greater presence in dangerous zones.
But numbers alone didn’t decide this match. Elche were sharper in their moments:
- Febas’ goal came from a quick, inventive combination.
- Álvaro Rodríguez’s strike was a composed, clinical finish.
Madrid created more pressure but conceded twice from situations where the defensive shape broke down. Courtois made several important saves but faced criticism for the second goal.
Standout Players
Elche
- Aleix Febas: Composed, decisive and clinical with the opening goal.
- Álvaro Rodríguez: Delivered a brilliant late strike that nearly won the match.
Real Madrid
- Jude Bellingham: Once again decisive, scoring the dramatic equaliser.
- Dean Huijsen: Strong defensive display and a vital goal.
Mbappé also played an important role, especially with his involvement in the equaliser.
What the Result Means
The draw extends Madrid’s winless run to three matches across all competitions. Despite dominating phases of play and creating more danger, they continue to drop points and remain vulnerable defensively.
However, they stay top of La Liga by one point, maintaining control of the title race, at least for now.
For Elche, this performance is a major confidence booster. Scoring twice against Real Madrid, leading the match twice and pushing the league leaders until the final minutes shows they are capable of challenging strong opponents.
Looking Ahead
Madrid need to convert control into wins. Defensive lapses are costing them and must be fixed if they want to stay ahead in the league. Their attacking quality remains high, but consistency is missing.
Elche can take many positives from this match. If they maintain this intensity and efficiency, they can trouble many teams in the league and secure valuable points as the season progresses.
The match was a reminder of La Liga’s competitiveness, with the underdogs showing resilience and top teams being pushed to their limits.
FAQs
Q1. What was the final score?
A. The match finished 2-2.
Q2. Who scored for Elche?
A. Aleix Febas and Álvaro Rodríguez.
Q3. Who scored for Real Madrid?
A. Dean Huijsen and Jude Bellingham.
Q4. Did Real Madrid dominate the stats?
A. Yes, they had higher attacking metrics such as expected threat (xT 6.61), but defensive lapses cost them the win.
Q5. What does the result mean for the league table?
A. Real Madrid remain top of La Liga, while Elche earn a valuable point and a boost in confidence.
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