Elche vs Real Madrid: Los Blancos drop points to create title opening for Barcelona

Real Madrid needed a late Jude Bellingham equaliser to avoid defeat against Elche. The hosts led on two occasions, but Real Madrid responded each time to avoid defeat.

After a first half of few clear chances, the game broke open shortly after the hour. In the 53rd minute Germán Valera’s clever pass found Aleix Febas at the far side of the six-yard box; Febas took a touch and drilled a composed finish into the bottom corner to give Elche a shock lead. 

Real Madrid responded in the 78th minute through a Jude Bellingham delivery; Dean Huijsen rose between defenders to power a header in at the near post and level the scores at 1–1.  

Just when Madrid looked to have steadied the ship, Elche produced a moment of individual brilliance. In the 84th minute, Álvaro Rodríguez collected the ball wide, cut inside and unleashed a fierce finish from the edge of the area that arrowed into the top corner.

However, Xabi Alonso's side showed resilience. Three minutes after Elche went ahead for the second time, they won another set-piece and from the resulting melee, Jude Bellingham was the quickest to react. He stabbed the ball over the line from close range to restore parity and deny Elche what would have been a famous victory.