It wasn't supposed to end this way. Real Madrid, top of LaLiga and riding high after the international break, arrived at Estadio Martínez Valero expecting a routine win. Instead, they left with a 2-2 draw that felt like a defeat — and Elche CF walked away with something far more valuable: belief.
On November 23, 2025, at 8 p.m. UTC, the stadium in Elche, a quiet city in Spain’s Valencian Community, erupted like it hadn’t in nearly half a century. Four goals in 39 minutes — three of them in the final 10 — turned what looked like a dull stalemate into a LaLiga classic. And the final whistle didn’t just end the match. It exposed cracks in Madrid’s armor.
A Team Without Its Backbone
Real Madrid entered without Éder Militão, their defensive rock, who picked up a right adductor twinge during Brazil’s friendly against Tunisia. Dani Carvajal was also out. And yet, manager Xabi Alonso still sent out Dean Huijsen — a 20-year-old defender who, according to reports, had been struggling with fitness. He ended up scoring the equalizer. Coincidence? Maybe. But in football, sometimes the most fragile moments reveal the strongest character.
Elche, meanwhile, hadn’t beaten Real Madrid at home since March 1978. Their last draw? January 2020. This season, they’d gone unbeaten at Estadio Martínez Valero — holding Betis, Athletic Bilbao, and Real Sociedad to draws. They weren’t just playing for pride. They were playing to prove they still belonged in the same conversation as the giants.
The Four-Minute Collapse
The first half? A tactical chess match. No goals. No fireworks. Just tension.
Then came the second half — and chaos.
Aleix Febas opened the scoring in the 53rd minute, a calm finish after a slick Elche buildup. Madrid looked shell-shocked. By the 78th, Dean Huijsen pounced on a rebound — the kind of opportunistic goal that separates good teams from great ones. The stadium held its breath. Was this the turning point?
It wasn’t.
Just six minutes later, Álvaro Rodríguez unleashed a left-footed rocket from outside the box, low and hard into the bottom corner. Assisted by Martim Neto. The place went wild. Elche fans screamed like they’d just won the Champions League. Real Madrid’s defense, already rattled, looked lost.
And then — the twist.
Three minutes after that, Jude Bellingham did what he does best: he showed up when it mattered most. A quick one-two with Endrick, a sharp cut inside, and a low drive that beat the keeper. The equalizer. The comeback. The point.
Real Madrid’s official highlights show it all: 01:30 — Febas. 01:49 — Huijsen. 02:17 — Álvaro Rodríguez. 02:22 — Bellingham. Four goals. 42 minutes. One unforgettable 10-minute span.
What This Means for LaLiga
Real Madrid still lead the table. But they’re no longer untouchable. This was their second consecutive draw — the first being the 1-1 stalemate at Rayo Vallecano. They’re now winning by the skin of their teeth. The defense, without Militão, is vulnerable. The midfield, while creative, lacks steel. And Bellingham, brilliant as ever, can’t do it alone.
Elche, on the other hand, are now a nightmare for any top-four team. They’ve drawn with the league’s best. They’ve held their ground. And they’ve shown they can score when it counts. Their manager, Eder Sarabia Armesto, has turned them into a disciplined, dangerous unit — and the Estadio Martínez Valero is becoming a fortress.
What’s Next?
Real Madrid face Girona in their next fixture. Militão’s return is uncertain — his recovery timeline is still unclear. Carvajal’s absence could force Alonso to shift formations again. And with the winter break looming, every point matters more than ever.
Elche? They’ll rest. They’ll celebrate. And they’ll start dreaming — not of survival, but of a top-half finish. Their next home game? Against Sevilla. If they win, they’ll have their first three-match home winning streak against top-flight opponents in 47 years.
The Bigger Picture
This wasn’t just a draw. It was a statement.
LaLiga isn’t just Madrid and Barça anymore. It’s Elche, with their 8,000-seat stadium and a fanbase that hasn’t forgotten what it feels like to beat the giants. It’s clubs that don’t have billionaire owners, but still know how to fight.
And it’s a reminder that football, at its best, doesn’t care about reputations. It only cares about the next pass, the next shot, the next moment.
On this night, Elche made Real Madrid work for every inch. And in the end, they made them pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Real Madrid so vulnerable in the second half?
Real Madrid were missing key defenders — Éder Militão and Dani Carvajal — and lacked physical presence in central defense. With Dean Huijsen playing out of position and the midfield struggling to shield the backline, Elche exploited gaps with quick transitions. The pace of Elche’s attacks, especially after the 78th minute, overwhelmed Madrid’s tired and disjointed defense.
How significant is Elche’s home record against Real Madrid?
Elche haven’t beaten Real Madrid at home since March 1978 — a 47-year drought. Before this match, their last result at Estadio Martínez Valero against Madrid was a 1-1 draw in January 2020. This 2-2 draw extends that streak of resilience, proving they can compete even when the odds are stacked against them.
What impact does this result have on Real Madrid’s title chances?
Real Madrid still lead LaLiga, but they’ve now drawn two games in a row — a worrying trend. With Barcelona and Atlético Madrid closing in, every dropped point matters. Without Militão and Carvajal, their defensive fragility could cost them in tight games. This draw could be the wake-up call they need — or the first sign of a title slip.
Who were the standout performers for Elche?
Aleix Febas opened the scoring with composure, while Álvaro Rodríguez delivered the moment of brilliance with his curling left-footed goal. Martim Neto’s assist was crucial, and manager Eder Sarabia Armesto’s tactical setup — compact, direct, and aggressive on transitions — was masterful. Even the defense, often overlooked, held firm against Madrid’s attacks for over 80 minutes.
Is Jude Bellingham’s late goal enough to save Real Madrid’s performance?
Bellingham’s goal was classic — instinctive, powerful, and perfectly timed. But it doesn’t erase the fact that Madrid were outplayed for long stretches. His goal saved face, not pride. Without consistent defensive structure and midfield control, even his brilliance can’t carry them through every game. This draw was a moral victory, not a tactical one.
What does this mean for Elche’s season outlook?
Elche are now firmly in the fight for European qualification. With 21 points from 14 games and only one home loss, they’re outperforming expectations. If they maintain this form, especially at home, they could finish as high as seventh — their best league position since 2014. This result proves they’re no longer just a team that survives — they’re one that can compete.