Jude Bellingham struck a late equaliser to earn Real Madrid a 2-2 draw against Elche on Sunday, ensuring the league leaders stayed one point ahead of Barcelona at the top of La Liga.
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Xabi Alonso’s side, winless in their last three matches across competitions, struggled throughout the match as Elche twice took the lead in an intense encounter at the Martínez Valero Stadium.
Aleix Febas put the hosts ahead early in the second half after slipping behind Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was making his first start since August. Madrid responded through Dean Huijsen, but Alvaro Rodriguez restored Elche’s advantage with a fierce strike from distance. Bellingham then levelled the score from close range after a cut-back from Kylian Mbappé.
Barcelona had earlier cut the gap with a dominant 4-0 win over Athletic Bilbao in their first game back at Camp Nou on Saturday, keeping pressure on Madrid. Atletico Madrid also remained in the chase, securing a scrappy 1-0 victory at Getafe.
Madrid’s first half saw missed opportunities, with former Barcelona keeper Iñaki Peña denying Mbappé twice. Elche impressed once again, following their strong showing against Barcelona weeks earlier.
Febas’ opener came after a slick team move, while Huijsen’s equaliser stemmed from Alexander-Arnold’s set-piece delivery. Elche’s frustration grew after Bellingham’s second equaliser, as goalkeeper Peña ended up bloodied from a collision with Vinicius Junior in the buildup. Peña downplayed the incident, though coach Eder Sarabia protested the “clear foul.”
Bellingham, recently in the spotlight for tension with England coach Thomas Tuchel, was far from his best yet still decisive, contributing to both Madrid goals.
“We’re not happy because we want to win, but we know what we want,” Alonso said after the match, urging calm despite the recent dip in form. “After adversity, we have to respond.”
Atletico’s win came courtesy of an 82nd-minute own goal under pressure from Antoine Griezmann, keeping Diego Simeone’s men unbeaten in 12 league games and four points behind Madrid.
