Real Madrid's dominance was momentarily halted as Elche managed a crucial 2-2 draw against the league leaders, leaving Los Blancos on the ropes. The result, while not a surprise to some who had been watching Elche's impressive form this season, still came as a blow to the mighty Madrid side.
Elche, the newly promoted team, played with an attitude and spirit that was reminiscent of their coach, Quique Setién's, vision for his team. Sarabia, who has been instrumental in Elche's rise to prominence, was effusive in his praise of his players' display, calling it "an extraordinary goal" and hailing the team's efforts as a portrait of how they should play.
The match itself was a thrilling encounter, with both teams creating chances throughout. The first half was closely contested, with Rafa Mir coming close to scoring for Elche before Thibaut Courtois made an incredible save from Kylian Mbappé. The second half saw both teams create more opportunities, but it was the visitors who finally broke the deadlock through a stunning goal from Germán Valera.
However, Madrid were not about to let this point go unchallenged. They equalized through Xabi Alonso's men before Bellingham scored in the 87th minute to seal a draw that left Elche ecstatic but also frustrated at having let their advantage slip.
The controversy surrounding Jude Bellingham's role in scoring the second goal, with many claiming the midfielder was not entirely clean of foul play, only added to the tension. The fact that VAR did not intervene, leaving Peña with his bloody nose, further fueled Elche's sense of injustice.
Despite the draw, Real Madrid are still top of the league, but their position is far from secure. This defeat has left them on the ropes, and they will need to regroup quickly if they want to maintain their grip on the title.
For Elche, however, this result was a huge boost in their bid for European qualification. They have taken points off two of the top three teams in the league, with only a single point separating them from Villarreal and Atletico Madrid. The draw has also sent a message to their fans that they are a team to be reckoned with.
Sarabia's unorthodox coaching methods, which include playing music and telling players how much he wants them to enjoy the game, have clearly paid off. Elche's approach is not about parking the bus or just defending; it's about creating scoring opportunities through possession-based football.
As for Madrid, this result serves as a reminder that even the mighty can fall on hard times. Los Blancos' high press and defensive solidity were put to the test, but they ultimately could not overcome Elche's attacking flair.
The stage is now set for an intriguing second half of the season, with both teams vying for European qualification. Will Elche be able to sustain their form, or will Madrid regroup and regain their dominance? Only time will tell.
Elche, the newly promoted team, played with an attitude and spirit that was reminiscent of their coach, Quique Setién's, vision for his team. Sarabia, who has been instrumental in Elche's rise to prominence, was effusive in his praise of his players' display, calling it "an extraordinary goal" and hailing the team's efforts as a portrait of how they should play.
The match itself was a thrilling encounter, with both teams creating chances throughout. The first half was closely contested, with Rafa Mir coming close to scoring for Elche before Thibaut Courtois made an incredible save from Kylian Mbappé. The second half saw both teams create more opportunities, but it was the visitors who finally broke the deadlock through a stunning goal from Germán Valera.
However, Madrid were not about to let this point go unchallenged. They equalized through Xabi Alonso's men before Bellingham scored in the 87th minute to seal a draw that left Elche ecstatic but also frustrated at having let their advantage slip.
The controversy surrounding Jude Bellingham's role in scoring the second goal, with many claiming the midfielder was not entirely clean of foul play, only added to the tension. The fact that VAR did not intervene, leaving Peña with his bloody nose, further fueled Elche's sense of injustice.
Despite the draw, Real Madrid are still top of the league, but their position is far from secure. This defeat has left them on the ropes, and they will need to regroup quickly if they want to maintain their grip on the title.
For Elche, however, this result was a huge boost in their bid for European qualification. They have taken points off two of the top three teams in the league, with only a single point separating them from Villarreal and Atletico Madrid. The draw has also sent a message to their fans that they are a team to be reckoned with.
Sarabia's unorthodox coaching methods, which include playing music and telling players how much he wants them to enjoy the game, have clearly paid off. Elche's approach is not about parking the bus or just defending; it's about creating scoring opportunities through possession-based football.
As for Madrid, this result serves as a reminder that even the mighty can fall on hard times. Los Blancos' high press and defensive solidity were put to the test, but they ultimately could not overcome Elche's attacking flair.
The stage is now set for an intriguing second half of the season, with both teams vying for European qualification. Will Elche be able to sustain their form, or will Madrid regroup and regain their dominance? Only time will tell.
this is crazy lol real madrid are on the ropes now 
i was thinking elche were just a bunch of nobodies but they went out there and gave it their all 
sarabia's coaching methods might sound weird but idk maybe he's onto something? playing music to get the players in the zone sounds kinda cool 
anyway, real madrid need to step up their game ASAP or else elche is gonna take advantage of this 
and Elche just came out on top 2-2 
. I'm loving the confidence of Sarabia's coaching methods - playing music to get his players pumped up, what a genius move 
! It's clear that Elche have been working hard on their possession-based football approach and it's paying off big time 
. It'll be interesting to see how they regroup and respond to this result - they can't just sit back on their laurels now that they're no longer on top 
.
. They've shown that they can take points off the big teams, which will only increase their confidence and momentum 
. Can they keep it up? Only time will tell 
, but one thing's for sure - Elche are definitely on our radar now 
!
but at the same time i gotta give elche credit, they played some awesome football, especially sarabia's goal was insane! 
️
peña with a bloody nose just adds to the drama of it all 
but seriously, this result shows that even madrid aren't invincible anymore 
that was a wild match!! 
! Sarabia's coaching methods are 
genius, I love how he's all about having fun and enjoying the game 
. Elche played with so much heart and spirit 
, they totally deserved that point 
, can't believe Peña got his nose all bloody 
! VAR should've stepped in, it was a clear foul 
but this loss has left them shook 
.
and they're giving the big boys a run for their money 
only time will tell 
sarabia's coaching methods are so cool btw, playing music and all that jazz 
And Jude Bellingham's goal was soooo close to being a red card 
, poor guy! 
The controversy added to the drama of the game 
can they get back on track? 
They totally gave Real Madrid a run for their money and showed that they're not just a team to make up the numbers. Quique Setién's coaching style is all about attitude and spirit, and it's clear that his vision is paying off. The fact that Sarabia is so passionate about the team's display is infectious! 
. 
. Los Blancos have been so dominant this season, but they're now on the ropes and need to regroup quickly if they want to maintain their grip on the title 
. The controversy surrounding Jude Bellingham's role in scoring the second goal highlights the human element of football – a player's actions can be just as crucial as their skills 
!
I'm loving this development in the Spanish league! Elche's 2-2 draw against Real Madrid was insane! 
I love how he just lets the players enjoy the game and have fun with it 
Los Blancos should def step up their game ASAP or else they'll be left in the dust 
i mean Sarabia's squad selection is pure genius, using music and vibes to get the players pumped up 
this could be a real battle for european qualification between them and villarreal atm 
. Can't wait for the second half of the season! 
bellingham's "clean" foul play tho? lol jk but seriously though, sarabia's coaching style is so unique and it's working for elche 
I'm loving how Elche is finally giving Real Madrid a run for their money! Those newly promoted guys are on fire 
VAR didn't intervene, which is just not right. I'm all for player safety, but you gotta have some sense of justice in there too 