Bellingham strikes late, Huijsen sets record as Elche hold Real Madrid to 2-2 draw

Elche held Real Madrid to a 2-2 draw in La Liga at the Manuel Martinez Valero on Sunday.

The hosts started the game promisingly, with Grady Diangana having a shot from inside the box blocked before goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois saved Rafa Mir’s shot.

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Courtois made another save just before the half-hour mark to deny the Spanish striker from giving Elche the lead.

Kylian Mbappe then called goalkeeper Inaki Pena into action at the other end with a right-footed shot from inside the area.

Moments later, Pena was alert again to keep out the league’s top scorer after Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cross.

The first half ended with both sides creating multiple chances to break the deadlock, but neither team scored.

Madrid started the second half on the front foot, with Rodrygo, Dean Huijsen and Alexander-Arnold missing chances to give them the lead.

Elche scored with their first real chance as Aleix Febas made a run behind Madrid’s backline and guided the ball past Courtois.

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Substitute Gonzalo Garcia should have drawn Madrid level with a header from the six-yard box, but he failed to hit the target.

Huijsen put Madrid back on level terms, squeezing the ball into the net, becoming the youngest defender to score in La Liga this term.

Alvaro Rodriguez restored Elche’s lead with a brilliant individual effort, sending the home fans into wild jubilation.

However, Jude Bellingham snatched a point for Madrid with a calm finish.

Xabi Alonso’s side are now just one point clear of reigning champions Barcelona, who beat Athletic Club 4-0 on Saturday.