Elche 2-2 Real Madrid (Huijsen & Bellingham). Castilla makes all the difference… This is the immediate reaction to the dramatic clash. Next for you : Player ratings, all the interviews and a podcast.
The international break was over, and Elche were the first opponents for Real Madrid in La Liga. Trent Alexander-Arnold made his return to the line-up. Rodrygo Goes was another surprise inclusion, with Dani Ceballos and Arda Güler forming the middles. Thibaut Courtois captained the team.
Elche were flying high in the top half of the table since their return to the top flight, and they started with good intentions, gaining the first chance of the game through Rafa Mir. Raúl Asencio then came close via a header – before a denied Real Madrid penalty shout for potential hand ball capped off the half. 0-0 at the break.
The ‘‘Castilla Curse’ had almost become old fashioned, and was something Los Blancos would have hoped would stay in the past. 2016/17 Castilla player of the year Aleix Febas may not have achieved what he had hoped at this point in his career, but he was on hand to put Elche 1-0 up to boost an already impressive personal season. Madrid barely put up a fight to try and get their way back into the game, despite the impending storm coming their way if they were to fail. Dean Huijsen would be the one to try and spark a comeback, poking home from a corner to momentarily keep the pitchforks at bay. Meanwhile, former Castilla striker Álvaro Rodríguez was brought onto the pitch as a substitute… From here, it was written in the stars. The Uruguayan scored a fabulous goal, driving forward with the ball before finishing low. Jude Bellingham would immediately reply, making it 2-2 with a determined goal. Late into added time, another Castilla player would impact the game, this time in the wrong way, as Víctor Chust was sent off. It was too late for Real Madrid to capitalise, though – ending the game with the scoreline at 2-2. Will you be getting the pitchfork out after this result?
