Bellingham Scores Late Equaliser as Real Madrid Held to 2-2 Draw at Elche

Jude Bellingham rescued Real Madrid with a late equaliser in a 2-2 draw against Elche on Sunday, a result that still sends Xabi Alonso’s side to the top of La Liga by one point.

Madrid struggled throughout the lively encounter, twice coming from behind against a determined mid-table Elche side.

Aleix Febas put the hosts in front, before Dean Huijsen pulled Madrid level. Álvaro Rodríguez then restored Elche’s lead with a powerful strike, only for Bellingham to stab home from close range shortly after to secure a point for the league leaders.

Barcelona narrowed the gap at the top to two points after their 4-0 win over Athletic Bilbao at Camp Nou on Saturday.

Alonso handed Rodrygo Goes a rare start in the attack and named Trent Alexander-Arnold in the lineup for his first start since August. The England international has struggled to regain form since joining from Liverpool and was partly at fault for Febas’ opener, allowing the midfielder to slip behind him and score off the post.

Elche, who recently impressed against Barcelona, were strong again at the Martínez Valero. Thibaut Courtois was forced into an early save to deny Andre da Silva after a setup from Hector Fort.

Earlier in the day, Real Madrid mistakenly used Andre da Silva’s photo during an AGM tribute intended for the late Diogo Jota and his brother—both of whom died in a car crash in July.

Former Barcelona goalkeeper Iñaki Peña also denied Kylian Mbappé twice in the first half, keeping Elche level.

Elche struck again early in the second half when German Valera’s backheel freed Febas to score. Alonso responded by bringing on Vinícius Júnior and youngster Gonzalo Garcia.

Alexander-Arnold played a key role in Madrid’s first equaliser, delivering a dangerous corner that Bellingham flicked on for Huijsen to finish.

Rodriguez then surprised Courtois with a powerful effort from the edge of the box to give Elche a 2-1 lead.

But three minutes later, Mbappé kept the ball in play just enough for Bellingham to convert from point-blank range, salvaging a draw.

Although not at his sharpest—especially after his midweek frustration with England coach Thomas Tuchel—Bellingham was decisive, contributing directly to both goals.

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