Elche Stuns Real Madrid in Dramatic La Liga Draw

In a pulsating La Liga encounter at Estadio Martínez Valero, Elche produced a gritty performance to hold Real Madrid to a 2-2 draw, denying the defending champions a crucial victory in their title defense.The match ignited early when Elche forward Javier Pastore slotted home a composed finish in the 12th minute, capitalizing on a swift counter-attack that exposed Madrid's high line. Real Madrid responded swiftly, with Vinícius Júnior weaving through the defense to equalize just before halftime, his curling effort leaving Elche goalkeeper Edgar Badia rooted.

The second half exploded into controversy. Madrid thought they had seized the lead when Jude Bellingham's apparent handball-assisted pass set up Rodrygo's goal in the 58th minute, but VAR upheld the decision amid heated debates over the infraction. Elche refused to yield, restoring parity in the 72nd minute through a deflected strike from midfielder Fidel Escobar, wrong-footing Thibaut Courtois.

Tensions peaked late as Madrid pressed for a winner, but Elche's organized backline, anchored by defender Pedro Bigas, repelled wave after wave of attacks. A potential foul on Courtois in stoppage time went unpunished, encapsulating the game's contentious edge.

The result sees Real Madrid slip to second in the standings, two points behind leaders Barcelona, while Elche climbs to mid-table safety. Coach Carlo Ancelotti lamented his side's "sloppy transitions," praising Elche's resilience. Elche manager Pablo Machín hailed his team's "character under pressure," calling it a "statement performance."

This draw underscores La Liga's unpredictability, with Madrid now facing a congested fixture list. Both squads regroup for midweek Copa del Rey ties, where redemption awaits.