Espir goal rescues Real Madrid in dramatic win over Elche

Real Madrid surrendered a two-goal lead but snatched a dramatic 3-2 victory over Elche with a stoppage-time winner from substitute Carlos Espir on Tuesday night (September 15).

Madrid dominated the opening half and took the lead in the 25th minute when Arda Güler’s free-kick went in off the post. Kylian Mbappé doubled the advantage eight minutes later, finishing a cross from Ian Diomande.

Elche came roaring back after the break. Abiel Osorio headed home Lucas Cepeda’s cross in the 71st minute before Nino capitalised on a defensive mistake to level the score in the 83rd.

With the match heading towards a draw, José Mourinho sent Espir on in the 87th minute. The 21-year-old forward made an instant impact, scoring in the first minute of stoppage time after receiving Mbappé’s pass and finding the empty net.

It was Espir’s second match-winning goal as a substitute this season. Despite the victory, Mourinho was unhappy with Madrid’s second-half display, saying the main issue was not conceding two goals but losing control after building a two-goal lead.

The win moved Real Madrid to 15 points from six matches, putting them second in La Liga on goal difference. Barcelona lead with the same points from five games, while Elche remain bottom with two points.

Real Madrid will face Atletico Madrid in the Madrid derby on Sunday, with kick-off scheduled for 8:15pm Bangladesh time.