Jude Bellingham scored a late equaliser to secure a 2-2 draw for Real Madrid at Elche on Sunday, keeping the league leaders top of La Liga by just one point.
Xabi Alonso’s side struggled to impose themselves against their mid-table opponents in a lively contest, twice coming from behind. Aleix Febas gave the hosts the lead before Dean Huijsen levelled for Madrid. Bellingham then poked home from close range after Alvaro Rodriguez had restored Elche’s advantage.
The result allowed Barcelona to close the gap to two points after a 4-0 win over Athletic Bilbao at Camp Nou on Saturday.
Alonso made some notable selections, giving Rodrygo Goes a rare start and resting Vinicius Junior. Trent Alexander-Arnold also earned his first start since August following injury and his summer move from Liverpool, though he struggled at times, being partially culpable for Febas’s goal as the midfielder found space behind him to open the scoring.
Elche, who had impressed against Barcelona recently, made life difficult for Madrid at the Martinez Valero Stadium. Thibaut Courtois made an early save to deny Andre da Silva after Hector Fort’s assist, while former Barcelona goalkeeper Inaki Pena kept out Kylian Mbappe in Madrid’s best first-half opportunity.
Despite their efforts, Madrid could not secure the win, highlighting the challenge they face in maintaining their lead at the top of La Liga.
