Real Madrid survive Elche scare as second-half collapse raises Mourinho concerns

Real Madrid held on to beat Elche 3-2 at the Martinez Valero, but their victory was overshadowed by a dramatic second-half decline that nearly cost them two valuable points.

The Spanish newspaper MARCA criticised manager Jose Mourinho and the Real Madrid players after a commanding first-half display gave way to a performance it described as difficult to explain. Real Madrid had looked firmly in control and led 2-0 at the interval, only to surrender the initiative after the break.

The visitors appeared to be heading towards a comfortable win after goals from Arda Guler and Kylian Mbappe, while several other chances could have put the result beyond doubt before half-time.

However, their attacking threat faded in the second half. Guler was among the players who disappeared from the game, while Real Madrid changed from the side that had taken the initiative into a team largely waiting for Elche to attack.

MARCA argued that the concern was not simply the narrow scoreline but the manner in which Real Madrid managed their advantage. Instead of maintaining pressure and seeking a third goal to settle the contest, the players dropped deeper and appeared to rely on counter-attacks.

That approach allowed Elche to regain momentum and sustain pressure around the Real Madrid penalty area.

Mourinho responded with a series of attacking substitutions as he attempted to regain control. Jude Bellingham and Brahim Diaz were introduced, with Diaz even being used at right-back during one of the most difficult periods of the match for the visitors.

As Real Madrid continued to struggle, Mourinho adopted an even more attacking formation. The game ended with three recognised forwards on the pitch – Mbappe, Endrick and Espe – alongside Brahim Diaz, Diomande and Bellingham.

Those changes did not immediately resolve the disorder affecting the team. Real Madrid remained vulnerable during the closing stages, but Espe appeared at the crucial moment to score the goal that prevented a collapse and secured a victory that had become far more difficult than the first half had suggested.

Mourinho had attributed Real Madrid’s retreat against Rayo Vallecano in their previous match to physical factors. MARCA, however, believes the situation against Elche was different, particularly because Real Madrid began the game with five changes to their starting line-up.

According to the newspaper, the latest problems were less about fitness and more about the team’s performance, decision-making and the players’ positioning and attitude on the pitch.

The timing of the second-half collapse is an added concern for Real Madrid. They face Atletico Madrid in the Madrid derby at the Metropolitano in just five days, and will need to produce a very different performance if they are to avoid a repeat of the problems exposed after the interval against Elche.