Real Madrid edges Elche 3-2 as Espi scores late winner in La Liga

Real Madrid claimed a dramatic 3-2 victory over Elche on Wednesday in La Liga matchday six, with substitute Carlos Espi netting the decisive goal in the 91st minute. The win at Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero brings Real level on points with Barcelona at the top of the table after six matches.

Real Madrid dominated the first half and built a 2-0 lead through an own goal by Elche goalkeeper Matías Dituro in the 25th minute—deflecting an Arda Guler free kick—and Kylian Mbappé's finish in the 33rd minute. However, Elche mounted a second-half comeback, with Abiel Osorio heading home in the 71st minute and Fer Nino equalizing in the 83rd minute to level the match at 2-2.

With the game headed toward a draw, José Mourinho introduced attacking reinforcements late in the match. Espi capitalized on a Mbappé cross at the back post to secure the three points in dramatic fashion. The 21-year-old striker, signed from Levante for €25 million this summer, has now scored crucial late goals in two matches this season—his first came in Real's opening fixture against Espanyol. Espi has not started a match for the club but has become a key impact player off the bench.

Mourinho acknowledged the tactical difficulty of fielding Espi and his first-choice strikers simultaneously, noting the balance issues it creates. He defended his late substitutions as a calculated risk. "With the changes I made late on, I risked everything, because a draw was not enough," Mourinho said. He also expressed frustration that Real failed to extend their 2-0 advantage, saying some matches "seem to be over… which we're not killing off, and after not killing them off they go from easy to being out of control."

Vinicius Júnior had a frustrating evening for Real, missing several clear chances before being substituted. In other La Liga action Tuesday, Valencia recorded their first win of the season, defeating Deportivo Alavés 1-0, while Rayo Vallecano beat Espanyol 2-1. Real Madrid now holds five wins from six matches, level with Barcelona before the champions' match against Racing Santander on Wednesday.