Carlos Espi scores late winner as Real Madrid beat Elche 3-2

Carlos Espi scored a 91st-minute winner as Real Madrid beat Elche 3-2 on Tuesday, rescuing three points after throwing away a two-goal lead.

The result took Real Madrid to five wins from six matches and level on points with defending champions Barcelona at the top of La Liga.

Who scored the winning goal?

Substitute striker Carlos Espi scored the winning goal, finishing a pass from Kylian Mbappe at the back post in the 91st minute. It was Espi's second goal of the season, and both have come as late strikes that secured wins for Real Madrid.

Real Madrid looked in control after Arda Guler's free-kick went in off Elche goalkeeper Matias Dituro. Kylian Mbappe then doubled the advantage, scoring his eighth goal of the season across all competitions.

How did Elche fight back in the second half?

Elche responded with two goals to level the score. Abiel Osorio pulled one back with a header, before Nino equalised in the 83rd minute with a low finish. With the lead gone, manager Jose Mourinho turned to his bench for a solution.

What did Mourinho change to find a winner?

Mourinho brought on Espi and Endrick in search of a late breakthrough. Espi delivered again, calmly finishing a Mbappe pass to restore Real Madrid's lead in the fifth minute of stoppage time.

It marked his second match winning contribution of the young season.

What is Carlos Espi's record as a substitute this season?

Espi joined Real Madrid from Levante this summer and is yet to start a game for the club. His first goal came in the opening match against Espanyol, when he scored late to seal another win. Despite limited minutes, his impact from the bench is giving Mourinho another attacking option late in games.