Elche CF displayed great heart but were left empty-handed after a 2-3 home defeat to Real Madrid in a thrilling match at the Martínez Valero on Saturday. A stoppage-time winner from substitute Carlos Espí, assisted by Kylian Mbappé, broke the deadlock and condemned the franjiverdes to their fourth loss in five league games.
The game started with an unexpected lead for Miguel Ángel Anselmi's Elche. In the 25th minute, a cross from Tete Morente caused an unfortunate own goal by Madrid goalkeeper Matías Dituro. The local joy was short-lived, as Mbappé levelled the score in the 33rd minute following a pass from Yan Diomande. The visiting side, managed by José Mourinho, controlled much of the play, but Elche kept believing.
Anselmi's substitutions from the bench paid off in the second half. Lucas Cepeda, who had come on for Marc Aguado, delivered a perfect pass for Abiel Alessio Osorio to finish and make it 2-1 in the 71st minute. The comeback was completed ten minutes later when another substitute, José Antonio Ferrández Pomares, assisted Fer Niño for the equaliser. Niño, who is Elche's top scorer this season with two goals, celebrated fiercely. However, the dream of a point vanished in agony with Espí's late strike.
The defeat leaves Elche CF in a very difficult position, 19th in La Liga with just two points. The team has taken only one point from the last fifteen available and their recent form is concerning, with four losses and one draw in their last five outings. Their goal difference is also negative, with six scored and thirteen conceded.
Manager Miguel Ángel Anselmi will have to lift the squad's morale quickly, as the next fixture arrives in just three days. Elche travel to Cornellà-El Prat to face Espanyol, who are eighth in the table, next Wednesday, September 18th. A positive result in that match is vital to begin climbing away from the relegation places. The full squad and upcoming fixtures are available in our squad and fixtures sections.
