Carlos Espi scored a late winner as Real Madrid beat Elche 3-2 in a dramatic LaLiga match at the Martinez Valero on Wednesday.
Madrid went two goals ahead in the first half through Arda Guler and Kylian Mbappe. But Elche fought back after the break and made it 2-2 before Espi decided the match in stoppage time.
Guler gave Madrid the lead in the 25th minute. The Turkish midfielder scored from a free kick, with his effort hitting the woodwork on its way into the net. Mbappe added the second eight minutes later.
Yan Diomande received the ball from Trent Alexander-Arnold and sent it across the box. Mbappe kept his finish calm and beat Matias Dituro.
Mbappe found the net again in the 41st minute after a pass from Federico Valverde. However, the goal did not stand because of offside. Madrid went into half time with a 2-0 lead.
Vinicius Junior had a chance to add another after the break. He found himself one on one with the goalkeeper but sent his effort wide.
Elche then started their comeback. Lucas Cepeda crossed from the left in the 71st minute and Abiel Osorio headed home from close range to make it 2-1.
The hosts drew level in the 83rd minute. Fer Nino controlled the ball inside the box and turned before firing a low shot into the bottom corner.
With the score at 2-2, Madrid went in search of a winner. Jose Mourinho brought on Endrick and Espi late in the game as the visitors pushed forward.
Espi made the difference in stoppage time. Jude Bellingham found Mbappe inside the box. The French forward sent the ball across goal and Espi arrived to finish from close range in the 91st minute.
Elche had fought back from two goals down, but Madrid had the final say as Espi’s late goal secured a 3-2 victory.
