Carlos Espi snatched Real Madrid a last-gasp 3-2 win at Elche on Tuesday to pull them level with Barcelona at the top of La Liga.
Espi, who Madrid signed this summer from Levante, has not started a game for the club but both of his goals have been vital for Jose Mourinho’s side. The striker, who already saved his team at Espanyol in their opening game with a late strike, tucked home at the back post in the 91st minute after Madrid threw away a two-goal lead. The forward prodded wide after Guler set him up in the second minute, and he also sent another effort badly off-target from the edge of the box. Guler curled a free-kick around the wall and against the post, with the ball hitting Elche goalkeeper Matias Dituro before it crossed the line, for an own goal. Madrid’s second came eight minutes later, created by record signing Yan Diomande, who registered his first assist for the club.
The Spanish striker produced a fine low finish to pull his team level with the 15-time European champions. Mourinho rested Jude Bellingham for the first time this season, bringing Arda Guler into the team in his place.
