AFCON 2025
In a thrilling La Liga Matchday 13 clash at Estadio Martínez Valero on November 23, 2025, newly promoted Elche held league leaders Real Madrid to a pulsating 2-2 draw, denying the visitors a chance to significantly extend their advantage at the summit.
🏁 FT: @Elchecf_en 2-2 @RealMadridEN
⚽ 53' Febas
⚽ 78' @DHuijsen
⚽ 84' Álvaro
⚽ 87' @BellinghamJude
👉 @Emirates pic.twitter.com/ieVwfRkFj9— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) November 23, 2025
Elche, sitting 11th with 16 points, extended their remarkable unbeaten run to six games, demonstrating resilience despite their last win coming in late September. The first half remained cagey and goalless, with Elche’s midfield pairing of Grady Diangana and Marc Aguado expertly stifling Madrid’s star-studded attacks.
Madrid, hampered by defensive injuries to key personnel including Carvajal, Rüdiger, Alaba, Militão, and Tchouameni, finally broke the deadlock post-interval when Kylian Mbappé slotted home his 13th goal of the season. However, Elche responded swiftly, leveling moments later via a composed finish from Rafa Mir.
The tension peaked late: Álvaro Rodríguez’s stunning 84th-minute strike sensationally put Elche 2-1 ahead, only for Jude Bellingham to instantly equalize three minutes later with a clinical, salvaging strike, rescuing a point for the wasteful Blancos. Madrid remains atop the table with 32 points, but Barcelona looms close. Elche’s tenacious performance highlights their strong return to the elite, remaining unbeaten by Madrid since 1978.
