Elche vs Real Madrid Match Recap - Nov 23, 2025

Elche Stuns Real Madrid in Thrilling 2-2 Draw: A Clash of Resilience and Class

Elche's unexpected draw against Real Madrid highlights their growing confidence, while Madrid's title aspirations face a reality check.

Elche's performance against Real Madrid showcased their resilience, earning a hard-fought draw that defied expectations. With only three wins in their last five matches, Elche has struggled to find consistency, yet they managed to hold the league leaders to a stalemate. This result is a testament to their determination and tactical discipline, especially after a recent string of mixed results that included a disappointing loss to Barcelona.

Real Madrid, despite being at the top of the table with 31 points, displayed vulnerabilities that could be concerning as the season progresses. Their recent form has been shaky, with a goalless draw against Rayo Vallecano and a narrow defeat to Liverpool in the Champions League. The draw against Elche raises questions about their ability to maintain momentum, particularly when facing teams that are willing to challenge them physically and tactically.

Aleix Febas' equalizer for Elche in the second half was pivotal, demonstrating the home side's ability to capitalize on Madrid's defensive lapses. Febas has been a key player for Elche, contributing significantly in midfield and showcasing his knack for finding space. His goal not only leveled the match but also reflected Elche's growing confidence in their attacking capabilities, especially after dominating possession in their previous match against Real Sociedad.

Dean Huijsen's late equalizer for Real Madrid was crucial in salvaging a point, but it also highlighted the inconsistency in their defensive organization. Huijsen has emerged as a reliable figure in defense, but the overall backline showed signs of fragility throughout the match. This inconsistency could be a concern moving forward, especially as they prepare for upcoming fixtures against tougher opponents like Girona.

Jude Bellingham's late goal further emphasized his importance to Real Madrid's attacking strategy. Bellingham has been in sensational form this season, consistently finding ways to influence matches. His ability to score crucial goals has made him a standout player for Madrid, and his performance against Elche was no exception. However, the fact that Madrid needed late heroics to secure a draw against a mid-table team raises questions about their overall effectiveness.

Elche's tactical setup proved effective against Madrid's star-studded lineup. Their 5-3-2 formation allowed them to absorb pressure while looking for opportunities on the counterattack. This approach paid off as they managed to create several chances, leading to their two goals. The contrast between Elche's disciplined defense and Madrid's attacking flair created an intriguing dynamic throughout the match.

Real Madrid's dominance in possession (53%) and total shots (11) did not translate into clear-cut chances, reflecting a lack of clinical finishing that has plagued them in recent outings. Despite controlling the game for large stretches, they struggled to convert opportunities into goals. This inefficiency could be a critical factor as they aim to maintain their lead at the top of La Liga.

Elche's ability to generate four shots on target compared to Madrid's three indicates their effectiveness in capitalizing on limited opportunities. Their expected goals (xG) of 1.11 compared to Madrid's 1.09 suggests that Elche was more efficient in front of goal, making the most of their chances while Madrid squandered several opportunities.

The match also highlighted Real Madrid's reliance on Kylian Mbappé, who has been instrumental in their attacking play this season. However, his inability to find the net against Elche underscores the need for other players to step up and share the scoring burden. With teams increasingly focusing on neutralizing Mbappé's threat, Madrid must find alternative avenues for goals if they wish to sustain their title challenge.

Elche's recent form has shown signs of improvement, particularly in their ability to compete against higher-ranked teams. Their draw against Real Madrid follows a solid performance against Real Sociedad, where they dominated possession but failed to secure victory. This newfound confidence could serve them well as they prepare for their next match against Getafe, where they will look to build on this momentum.

Real Madrid faces a critical test against Girona, where they must address their defensive frailties and find a way to convert possession into goals. The pressure is mounting as they aim to maintain their position at the top of La Liga while navigating through challenging fixtures ahead.

This match serves as a reminder that even the giants of football can stumble when faced with determined opposition. Elche's resilience and tactical discipline have set a benchmark for how lower-ranked teams can challenge the status quo in La Liga. For Real Madrid, this draw is not just a missed opportunity; it is a wake-up call that highlights the need for improvement as they continue their pursuit of glory this season.