Bellingham Shines as Real Madrid Draws with Elche
Jude Bellingham scored one goal and provided an assist as Real Madrid held Elche to a draw, allowing them to remain at the top of La Liga.
The England midfielder netted Kylian Mbappé's cut-back with just three minutes left, securing a point for Xabi Alonso's team, who had fallen behind twice at the Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero.
Aleix Febas opened the scoring for mid-table Elche eight minutes into the second half, slotting his shot past Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and into the net off the right post.
Former Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen equalized for Madrid with a close-range finish from Bellingham's knockdown 12 minutes before the end, only for Álvaro Rodríguez to restore Elche's lead with a low shot from the edge of the box.
However, Madrid, led by Bellingham, made a late comeback, with the 22-year-old scoring his third goal in four La Liga matches.
Elche's task was made harder when they were reduced to ten men in the seventh minute of added time, as defender Víctor Chust received a second yellow card for a foul on Mbappé.
This draw allowed Alonso's side to move back ahead of Barcelona, who had defeated Athletic Club 4-0 in their first match back at Spotify Camp Nou on Saturday. Elche currently sits in 11th place in the league.
Mbappé was instrumental for Madrid, creating several chances in an entertaining first half, including a shot straight at goalkeeper Iñaki Peña after breaking free from the Elche defense.
Former Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, playing as a right wing-back, nearly assisted the French striker shortly after, but Mbappé could only direct his first-time shot at Peña.
Elche also had their opportunities, with Rafa Mir's close-range effort saved by Courtois and André da Silva's low drive blocked by the Belgian keeper before halftime.
The match continued at a high pace after the break, with Rodrygo's powerful shot being tipped over the bar by Peña, and Courtois making another crucial save to deny Febas.
Febas's opening goal was quickly equalized by Huijsen, but Rodríguez's strike in the 84th minute brought Elche close to their first victory over Madrid since March 1978.
Ultimately, Bellingham's late goal denied them all three points. He had previously scored in wins against Barcelona and Valencia before the international break.
Prior to the match, Real Madrid issued an apology for using a photograph of Elche forward André Silva in a tribute video for former Liverpool player Diogo Jota and his brother.
Alonso's team will next face Olympiacos in the Champions League on Wednesday, November 26, at 20:00 GMT.