Real Madrid couldn’t seal a win again — this time, falling to a 2-2 draw with Elche CF on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero in Elche, Spain. Despite dominating possession and creating more chances than at any point this season, Los Blancos extended their winless run to three matches across all competitions, leaving fans uneasy even as they cling to the top of LaLiga with 32 points. The result, while frustrating, wasn’t entirely surprising: Elche had gone unbeaten at home all season, and on this night, they played like a team with nothing to lose and everything to prove.
Elche’s Defensive Grit and Clinical Counterattacks
From the first whistle, Elche looked organized, compact, and dangerous on the break. Captain Febas, whose full name remains unconfirmed in official reports, became the unlikely hero in the 53rd minute. After a backheel from teammate Valera sent a cross crashing off the post, Febas was there to poke it home from point-blank range. It was the kind of goal that doesn’t come from training drills — it comes from instinct, timing, and sheer will. Analyst Ian Joy of CBS Sports Golazo put it best: ‘Febas stood out. The captain got the opening goal. He was absolutely brilliant.’
Elche’s front pair of Rafa Mir and Álvaro Rodríguez kept Real Madrid’s backline on edge. Mir, 28, held up play with physicality rarely seen from Spanish forwards these days, while Rodríguez, just 21, proved he still has a point to make against his former club. He did just that in the 84th minute, slotting home a low finish after a swift counter, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. That goal looked like it might be the winner — until Jude Bellingham had other ideas.
Real Madrid’s Dominance Without Reward
Real Madrid controlled the game statistically. According to Managing Madrid’s data, they recorded an expected threat (xT) of 6.61 — nearly 50% higher than Elche’s 4.56. They touched the ball in Elche’s penalty area 221 times. Yet, they struggled to turn pressure into precision. Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Marco Asensio all had chances, but none finished cleanly. Mbappé, often the cold-blooded finisher, passed up a clear one-on-one in the 72nd minute, opting to set up Vinícius — a decision that drew groans from the stands. The ball was cleared. The moment passed.
Then came the equalizer. Dean Huijsen, the 20-year-old Italian-English defender who’d been sidelined with fitness concerns, rose above the pack after a corner kick went unclaimed. A loose ball, a diving header — and suddenly, it was 2-2. The goal wasn’t pretty, but it was vital. And then, just minutes later, Jude Bellingham — Real Madrid’s engine in midfield — poked home the rebound from a scramble. The stadium fell silent. The away bench erupted.
Injuries, Absences, and the Weight of Expectations
Real Madrid were missing two key defenders: Éder Militão, who felt a twinge in his right adductor during Brazil’s friendly against Tunisia on November 19, and veteran right-back Dani Carvajal, still recovering from a long-term injury. Their absence exposed a vulnerability Real Madrid has masked all season — a reliance on individual brilliance over structural solidity.
Manager Xabi Alonso has been praised for his tactical flexibility, but Sunday’s performance raised questions. His team dominated territory and possession, yet lacked a clinical edge. Analyst Adam Hunt noted: ‘I think Xabi Alonso knows that this was points dropped. Actually, when you look at the big picture, I’m going to say this. I think it was a point gain because Elche were absolutely fabulous in this game.’
What This Means for the Title Race
Real Madrid still lead LaLiga with 32 points, one ahead of Barcelona, who have played one fewer game. But the gap is narrowing — and the pressure is mounting. Three matches without a win? That’s not a blip. It’s a warning. The last time Real Madrid went four matches without a victory in LaLiga? 2017. That season, they finished second.
Elche, meanwhile, have become the ultimate spoiler. They’ve now drawn with Real Madrid twice since 2020 — and won’t be easy to beat at home. Their resilience has turned them into one of LaLiga’s most dangerous mid-table sides.
The Road Ahead: El Clásico Looms
With the draw behind them, Real Madrid turn their focus to Wednesday, November 26, 2025 — the Copa del Rey quarterfinal against FC Barcelona at Camp Nou in Barcelona. That’s not just a match. It’s a reset button. A chance to silence critics. A chance to remind everyone why they’re still the favorites.
But if they show up with the same lack of finishing, the same defensive lapses, and the same reliance on last-minute magic, they won’t just lose the cup — they might lose the league.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Real Madrid struggle to score despite dominating possession?
Real Madrid created 221 touches in Elche’s penalty area and had an xT of 6.61 — but their final third execution was poor. Mbappé and Vinícius missed clear chances, and Asensio’s headers went wide. The issue wasn’t creation — it was composure. Elche’s defense, led by Álvaro Núñez and goalkeeper Iñaki Peña, blocked 17 shots and cleared 14 crosses. Real Madrid’s lack of a traditional number 9 left them without a focal point in the box.
How significant is this draw for Real Madrid’s title hopes?
It’s concerning. Real Madrid still lead with 32 points, but Barcelona have a game in hand and are just one point behind. Three winless matches in a row — including draws against Rayo Vallecano and now Elche — show a pattern. Teams are learning to sit deep and absorb pressure. If Real Madrid can’t break down organized defenses in the next five games, their lead could vanish by December.
Who were the standout performers for Elche CF?
Captain Febas was the emotional leader, scoring the opener and organizing the defense. Forward Rafa Mir held up play brilliantly, completing 87% of his passes under pressure. Goalkeeper Iñaki Peña, who once played for Real Madrid’s youth teams, made six saves, including a stunning stop on Rodrygo in the 65th minute. Elche’s midfield trio of Valera, Márquez, and Gómez controlled the tempo better than most expected.
Why was Dean Huijsen playing despite fitness concerns?
With Militão and Carvajal out, Xabi Alonso had no choice. Huijsen, 20, had missed two matches with a hamstring strain but trained fully on Friday. He started at center-back alongside Antonio Rüdiger and played 87 minutes — his longest outing of the season. His equalizer was his first goal for Real Madrid, and his defensive positioning was surprisingly solid. He may now be a key rotation option.
What’s the historical context of Real Madrid vs. Elche at this stadium?
Elche’s last home win over Real Madrid was in March 1978 — nearly 48 years ago. Since then, they’ve drawn twice: in 1995 and January 2020. This 2025 draw marks the third time in over half a century that Elche has held Real Madrid at home. It’s a testament to their resilience and the difficulty of playing away in Elche, where the fans are passionate and the pitch is notoriously uneven.
What’s next for Real Madrid after this draw?
They face FC Barcelona in the Copa del Rey quarterfinal on November 26, 2025, at Camp Nou — a high-stakes clash that could define their season. After that, they host Girona on December 1, then travel to Atlético Madrid on December 7. If they don’t win at least two of those three, the pressure on Xabi Alonso will intensify dramatically. The league title isn’t over — but it’s slipping through their fingers.
