Mbappe strikes in stoppage time as Real Madrid survive Elche comeback

Real Madrid held off a second-half fightback from Elche before Kylian Mbappe scored in the first minute of added time to secure a 3-2 victory in La Liga’s sixth round.

Arda Guler opened the scoring in the 25th minute with a powerful free-kick which struck the left post before finding the net.

Real Madrid doubled their advantage eight minutes later when Mbappe followed up a cross from Diomande. The forward was injured in a collision with the goalkeeper as he scored, but continued playing.

Elche goalkeeper then denied Vinicius a third goal in the 38th minute. The defence cleared the rebound before Guler could add to the score.

Mbappe had another effort ruled out for offside in the 41st minute, as Real Madrid went into half-time 2-0 ahead.

Elche responded after the interval and reduced the deficit in the 71st minute. Abiel Osorio’s excellent header deceived Courtois and found the net.

Fier Nino completed the comeback 12 minutes later with a shot from inside the penalty area which went into Courtois’ far corner, leaving the goalkeeper unable to do anything but watch the ball.

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho made two changes in the 68th minute, bringing on Jude Bellingham and Brahim Diaz for Vinicius and Guler. After Elche’s equaliser, he made two more attacking substitutions, with Carlos Espe and Endrick replacing Aurelien Tchouameni and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The decisive moment came during a counter-attack in the first minute of added time. Mbappe broke clear and delivered a cross to Carlos Espe in front of an unguarded goal, allowing the substitute to finish and restore Real Madrid’s lead.

Espe had made only 26 minutes of football for Real Madrid this season before the match, but he had already scored two goals. His latest effort completed a 3-2 victory and ended Elche’s hopes of securing a point.

Guler, whose free-kick began the scoring, was named player of the match.

The result moved Real Madrid on to 15 points in second place, behind leaders Barcelona only on goal difference. Barcelona still have their sixth-round fixture to play, with Racing Santander due to visit on Wednesday evening.

Elche remain bottom of the table in 20th place, with two points from their opening six matches.