Real Madrid's goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, played a crucial role in preventing Elche from scoring. He denied Rafa Mir's shot after Hector Fort had dispossessed Alvaro Fernandez and Silva had slid the ball through. Asencio also had a chance to score from a corner kick, but his header went wide.
Despite Elche's efforts, Real Madrid continued to push forward. Arda Guler had a close call with an audacious strike, and Mbappé was halted by Inaki Pena after a heavy touch. The first half ended goalless, with both teams creating scoring opportunities.
The match resumed in the second half, with neither team giving up. In the 53rd minute, Elche finally broke the deadlock. Wonderful build-up play led to Aleix Febas scoring with a poke past Real Madrid's goalkeeper and in off the post.
Xabi Alonso responded with a triple change, introducing Gonzalo Garcia, who headed over shortly after coming on. The equalizer finally came in the 78th minute, when Jude Bellingham won the initial header from Trent Alexander-Arnold's corner and Dean Huijsen poked the ball over the line.
However, Elche regained their lead just six minutes later, as Alvaro Rodriguez glided forward and beat Courtois from outside the box. Bellingham saw one shot saved but converted from Mbappé's pass to ensure his side at least earned a point, which takes Los Blancos back to the top of La Liga.
The match ended with Elche finishing with 10 men due to Victor Chust receiving his second yellow of the game for pulling Mbappé's shirt.










