Real Madrid's unlikely hero Carlos Espí struck late once more to salvage a dramatic 3-2 win at Elche on Tuesday night, papering over cracks that threatened to derail Los Blancos' title challenge as Barcelona's extraordinary form shows no sign of slowing.
Madrid appeared comfortable after racing into a two-goal lead inside the opening half-hour at the Martinez Valero, with chances to extend the advantage further before the break. Instead, the visitors switched off, and Elche capitalised. Substitute Abiel Osorio pulled one back in the 71st minute before Fer Niño levelled in the 83rd, sparking wild celebrations among the home supporters who sensed an even bigger shock in the final stages.
With Real Madrid coach José Mourinho having already sent on Espí, the 21-year-old needed just four minutes to make the difference. Jude Bellingham's driving run set up Kylian Mbappé, who laid the ball off for Espí to finish calmly and spark scenes of delight among the substitutes and staff. It was, remarkably, the second time this season Espí has rescued a point-costing situation for Madrid in the closing stages, having also scored a stoppage-time winner on the opening weekend against Espanyol.
According to reports, Mourinho handed Espí a written note before sending him on, though its exact contents remain a private matter between manager and player. The pair reportedly share accommodation at Madrid's Valdebebas training complex along with members of the coaching staff and defender Marc Cucurella. Mourinho previously described his young striker as