Real Madrid drops points as Los Blancos regain top spot with a 2-2 draw vs Elche

Real Madrid drops points in an intense 2-2 draw against Elche, but despite the setback, Los Blancos regained the top spot in La Liga with 32 points—just one ahead of rivals Barcelona. The hosts stunned the league leaders twice, yet late goals from Dean Hoesen and Jude Bellingham rescued Madrid from a damaging defeat.

First-Half: Missed Chances and Peña’s Wall

Real Madrid entered the match aggressively. Rodrygo threatened early with a fierce third-minute effort, followed by close attempts from Mbappé, who repeatedly ran into inspired saves from Iñaki Peña.

Elche responded well, forcing Courtois into a superb stop against Rafa Mir in the 16th minute. Arda Güler and Asensio tried their luck from distance and set pieces, but neither could beat Peña, who produced one of his finest halves of the season.

Despite heavy pressure from Madrid before the break, the first half ended scoreless.

Elche Strikes, Madrid Responds

Elche opened the scoring in style in the 52nd minute. A slick combination between Germán Valera and Alex Febas ended with Febas chipping Courtois with a delicate touch that bounced in off the post.

Real Madrid nearly responded instantly through a lightning counter involving Vinicius and Mbappé, but the final touch was denied at the last second.

Los Blancos finally equalized in the 78th minute when a corner led to chaos in the box, allowing Dean Hoesen to poke the ball home from close range.

More Drama: Elche’s Shock Lead and Bellingham’s Rescue

Elche struck again just minutes later. Substitute Álvaro Rodríguez, with almost his first touch, dribbled past Asensio and curled a beautiful shot beyond Courtois to make it 2–1 in the 83rd minute.

But Real Madrid was not done.

In the 87th minute, Jude Bellingham followed up on a blocked shot, smashing the ball into the net to make it 2–2. The visitors pushed desperately for a winner, but Elche held firm to earn a valuable point.

What’s Next

• Real Madrid will face Girona in their next league match as they look to protect their narrow lead.

• Elche will travel to face Getafe, hoping to build on this impressive performance.

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Read also: Real Madrid drops points in Vallecas as they drew 0-0 against Rayo, for more context on Madrid’s recent struggles.