Jude Bellingham's late equaliser salvaged a 2-2 draw for Real Madrid at Elche on Sunday, ensuring Los Blancos reclaimed the top spot in La Liga. The England midfielder struck in the 87th minute, converting Kylian Mbappé's cutback to rescue a point for Xabi Alonso's side after they had twice fallen behind.
The result lifts Madrid back above rivals Barcelona, who had temporarily taken the lead following their 4-0 win over Athletic Bilbao on Saturday. However, the draw extends Madrid’s winless streak to three matches across all competitions.
Following a goalless but entertaining first half where both goalkeepers, Thibaut Courtois and Inaki Pena, made crucial saves, Elche broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute. A clever backheel from Germán Valera set up Aleix Febas, who poked the ball past Courtois and in off the post.
Madrid responded through Dean Huijsen, who pounced on a loose ball in the box to equalize in the 78th minute. The former Bournemouth defender’s goal appeared to settle the visitors, but the drama was far from over.
Elche regained the lead just six minutes later when former Real Madrid youth player Álvaro Rodríguez fired a low shot from the edge of the box past Courtois. The goal sent the home crowd into a frenzy, sensing a first victory over Madrid since 1978.
However, Bellingham dashed those hopes moments later, bundling the ball home after Elche failed to clear a free-kick. The match ended on a sour note for the hosts as defender Víctor Chust was sent off in stoppage time for a second yellow card after fouling Mbappé.
Despite the dropped points, Madrid manager Xabi Alonso remained focused on the bigger picture. "The team is still competing. The context of each game is different. We can improve, we're self-critical, but the team spirit is still good," Alonso said.
He also defended the decision to start Vinícius Júnior on the bench, stating, "We spoke about it, he understands it, he knows the role and the impact he could have... We're not as happy as we could be, but we want to get back to good results and good form."
The draw leaves Elche in 11th place, while Real Madrid hold a precarious one-point lead over Barcelona at the summit. Both teams had chances to win it in a frantic finale, with Gonzalo missing a late opportunity for Madrid. Madrid is currently struggling for consistency, as they now look ahead to a busy schedule before the end of the year to consolidate their title challenge.