Real Madrid defeats Elche 3–2 with Espi's injury-time winner

Real Madrid came from behind to beat Elche 3–2 in the sixth round of La Liga on 15 September, securing a dramatic injury-time victory through substitute Carlos Espi. Manager José Mourinho's side took a commanding 2–0 halftime lead after Arda Guler's free kick deflected in off Elche goalkeeper Matias Dituro in the 25th minute, followed by Kylian Mbappe's header from a Yan Diomande cross in the 33rd minute. Real Madrid appeared in control until Elche mounted a second-half comeback, with Abiel Osorio reducing the deficit in the 71st minute and Fer Nino equalizing in the 83rd minute after a defensive error by Marc Cucurella.

With the match seemingly heading toward a draw, Espi struck in the 91st minute after receiving a pass from Jude Bellingham and Mbappe down the left channel, securing Real Madrid's second consecutive late-minute winner of the season. This was Espi's second injury-time winning goal in as many appearances, having previously scored in the final minute of Madrid's opening-day 2–1 victory at Espanyol. The result leaves Real Madrid with 15 points from six matches, level with Barcelona ahead of Barcelona's midweek fixture against Racing Santander. Elche remains in 20th place with 2 points.

In related La Liga action, Valencia secured its first win of the season with a 1–0 victory over Deportivo Alaves under interim coach Oscar Sanchez, who took temporary charge following Carlos Corberan's dismissal on Sunday. Luis Rioja scored the decisive goal in the 78th minute after work from Javi Guerra. Rayo Vallecano also won on the day, defeating Espanyol 2–1 at Leganes' Butarque Stadium, with goals from Alvaro Garcia and Adria Pedrosa securing vital points for the recovering side.