Real Madrid salvage thrilling late 2-2 draw at Elche

Real Madrid rescued a 2-2 draw at Elche on Sunday after coming from behind twice in a pulsating second half.

The result extended Real's winless run to three matches in all competitions, but they reclaimed top spot in LaLiga on 32 points, one ahead of Barcelona.

After a lacklustre first half, it was Elche who struck first in the 53rd minute from an impressive team move. 

German Varela's exquisite backheel assist found Aleix Febas inside the box, and the midfielder took one touch before delicately slotting the ball past goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois via the post.

Real levelled in the 81st minute through Dean Huijsen. The centre back reacted quickest to a loose ball following a corner, slotting home from close range to bring the visitors back into the contest.

Elche, however, were undeterred and regained the lead three minutes later. Alvaro Rodriguez controlled a well-timed pass on the edge of the box with his first touch before drilling a low, precise shot into the bottom left corner, leaving Courtois no chance.

Madrid fought valiantly to avoid defeat, and in the 87th minute Jude Bellingham converted a crucial equaliser. Kylian Mbappe showed determination to keep a ball in play near the byline, delivering a clever cutback into the box that Bellingham calmly struck into the back of the net to secure a point for his team.

"Three matches without a win? That's football," coach Xabi Alonso told reporters. "We're not happy because we always want to win, but there are still many matches to play.

"The team hasn't fallen apart, the team is still competing. The results and the play can be improved because we're self-critical. It's in the face of adversity that we have to respond."

SETBACKS

Alonso rotated his side after consecutive setbacks, a