Jose Mourinho admitted Real Madrid risked everything during their 3-2 LaLiga win at Elche, with substitute Carlos Espi scoring a 91st-minute winner. Madrid looked comfortable after taking a 2-0 lead in the first half. Arda Gulers free kick was turned into his own net by Elche goalkeeper Matias Dituro before Kylian Mbappe doubled the advantage after being found by Yan Diomande.However, Elche scored twice late on to level the match and put Madrids strong start under serious pressure.Mourinho responded by sending on forwards Espi and Endrick, leaving Madrid with six attack-minded players on the pitch. The move paid off when Jude Bellingham found Mbappe, who crossed for Espi to score the winning goal.With the changes at the end, I risked everything, Mourinho said.We won, but we could have lost. We had to do it, because a draw isnt enough.Table of ContentsEspi making an impactMadrid go level with BarcelonaEspi making an impactEspi has now scored late winners in two matches this season, having also struck away at Espanyol.The youngster also had an overhead-kick equaliser ruled out at Real Betis, underlining his growing influence despite competing for minutes alongside Mbappe.[Espi] is doing well, making an important contribution to the team, Mourinho said.He has a problem in front of him, which is a player who isnt a normal player [Mbappe], and playing with both together isnt easy.Madrid go level with BarcelonaMourinho admitted Real Madrid had made life difficult for themselves after failing to finish off Elche when they were in control.In games that seem like theyre done, we have three, four, five chances to kill it, and we dont, he said.We didnt score, we didnt finish it with the 3 or 4-0. When it seems easy, you leave things like that, away from home at these stadiums.They get a goal and its an open game. The good thing is that in difficulty, the team reacts and wins.The result moved Madrid level on points with Barcelona at the top of LaLiga, ahead of Barcelonas match against Racing Santander. Topics Jose Mourinho Real Madrid CF Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read EXCLUSIVE: JJ Gabriel to join Real Madrid on his 16th birthday in huge blow to Manchester United Jon Fisher 16th September, 2026 Elche 2-3 Real Madrid: Espi rescues Mourinhos men with 91st-minute winner Nicholas McGee 15th September, 2026 Elche v Real Madrid LIVE: Mourinhos men look to move level with La Liga leaders Barcelona Jon Fisher 15th September, 2026 Elche vs Real Madrid: Confirmed teams, full line ups in La Liga Ben Miller 15th September, 2026 Elche v Real Madrid: Preview, expected line-ups, stats and where to watch Ben Miller 15th September, 2026 Rodri reveals Mourinho phone call after joining Barcelona Mitch Fretton 15th September, 2026
