Real Madrid came from behind to defeat Elche 3-2 on Tuesday night, with substitute Carlos Espí scoring the winning goal in the 88th minute. The victory was crucial at a time when Barcelona are performing strongly in La Liga, and Madrid could ill afford to drop points or suffer a collapse.

Madrid had appeared to have the match under control after leading 2-0 by half-time, but defensive lapses allowed Elche to equalise through Abiel Osorio and Fer Niño in the 71st and 83rd minutes respectively. Espí, a 21-year-old forward brought on as a substitute, scored just four minutes after entering the pitch following an assist from Kylian Mbappé. The striker, who rescued his previous club Levante from relegation with 11 goals in 25 games last season, now boasts an exceptional goal-scoring ratio at Madrid, with two goals in 42 minutes – the best at the club.