Real Madrid Edges Elche 3-2 With Late Goal From Espi

WHO:

The New York Times - Pedro Schinocca, general manager of Elche, presented Marc Cucurella with a commemorative plaque for winning the World Cup.

The New York Times - Real Madrid, Elche, Jose Mourinho, Carlos Espi, Kylian Mbappe, Matias Dituro, Abiel Osorio, Fer Nino, Arda Guler, Yan Diomande.

Managing Madrid - Carlos Espi Escrihuela, Hugo Sánchez, Pruden Sánchez, Karim Benzema.

WHAT:

The New York Times - Elche has only two points from their opening six La Liga games this season, including a five-goal home loss to Barcelona.

The New York Times - Arda Güler scored his first goal for Real Madrid directly from a free-kick, marking the end of a 120-game drought for the club in this category.

Managing Madrid - Carlos Espí has scored two goals for Real Madrid with only 26 minutes played across five appearances this season.

Managing Madrid - Kylian Mbappé became the first player since Hugo Sánchez in 1987 to score seven goals in the first six games of the La Liga season for consecutive campaigns.

Managing Madrid - Real Madrid's expected goals (xG) for the match against Elche was 3.56, the highest of the season so far.

The New York Times - Carlos Espi scored a last-minute winner for Real Madrid, securing a 3-2 victory against Elche.

The New York Times - Real Madrid initially led 2-0 with an own goal from Matias Dituro and a goal from Kylian Mbappe.

The New York Times - Elche scored two goals in 12 minutes from Abiel Osorio and Fer Nino to equalize.

Managing Madrid - Real Madrid has made it five wins from six in La Liga this season.

Managing Madrid - Arda Güler scored Real Madrid's first direct free-kick goal since May 27, 2023.

Managing Madrid - Carlos Espí scored his second goal for Real Madrid with only four minutes on the field.

Managing Madrid - Kylian Mbappe scored seven goals in the first six games of the season for the second consecutive year.

Managing Madrid - Real Madrid has hit the woodwork nine times this season, the highest in La Liga.

WHERE:

The New York Times - The match took place at the Martínez Valero Stadium in Elche.

WHEN:

The New York Times - The match took place on September 15, 2026.

The New York Times - The match occurred on September 15, 2026.

Managing Madrid - The last direct free-kick goal for Real Madrid was scored on May 27, 2023.

WHY:

The New York Times - José Mourinho stated, "The good thing is that, after the difficulties and the pressure, the team reacted and won, which is the most important thing."

The New York Times - Real Madrid needed a late winner after conceding a two-goal lead against Elche.

HOW:

The New York Times - Mourinho made a double substitution in the 87th minute, bringing on Carlos Espi and Endrick to search for a winner.

The New York Times - José Mourinho made a double substitution in the 87th minute, bringing on Carlos Espi and Endrick to search for a winner.

The New York Times - Carlos Espi was introduced in the 87th minute and scored from a close-range finish after a run and cross from Kylian Mbappe.

In a recent match, Elche faced a tough start to their La Liga season, earning only two points from their first six games, including a heavy five-goal loss to Barcelona. After the match on September 15, 2026, general manager Pedro Schinocca honored Marc Cucurella with a commemorative plaque for his World Cup victory, while José Mourinho praised his team's resilience, saying, "The good thing is that, after the difficulties and the pressure, the team reacted and won, which is the most important thing." Mourinho's strategic double substitution in the 87th minute, bringing on Carlos Espi and Endrick, was pivotal in securing the win.