Espi Again! Madrid Tops La Liga After Thriller

Real Madrid secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Elche, with substitute Carlos Espi netting a decisive goal in the 91st minute. This win places Real Madrid level on points with Barcelona at the pinnacle of La Liga. Espi, who has not yet started a match for the club, has now scored two crucial late goals, proving instrumental for Jose Mourinho's team.

Mourinho's squad had established a 2-0 advantage, but Elche fought back to level the score, much to the coach's dissatisfaction. Mourinho voiced concerns about his team's failure to capitalize on leads and maintain control, leading him to make aggressive late substitutions. The team's performance saw Jude Bellingham rested for the first time this season, with Arda Guler taking his place.

Elche managed to pull a goal back through Abiel Osorio's header, and Nino's fine finish in the 83rd minute brought them level. However, Espi's late strike, assisted by Mbappe, ultimately secured the three points for Real Madrid. Earlier matches saw Valencia win 1-0 at Alaves and Rayo Vallecano defeat Espanyol 2-1.