# Real Madrid escape Elche with last-gasp winner

> Yan Diomande shines in breakthrough performance as Los Blancos nearly blow two-goal lead.
- Title: Real Madrid escape Elche with last-gasp winner · SI | Shortify
- Summary: Yan Diomande shines in breakthrough performance as Los Blancos nearly blow two-goal lead. Yan Diomande delivered his first assist and a standout performance…
- Keywords: real madrid, elche, yan diomande, carlos espí, kylian mbappé, arda güler, josé mourinho, trent alexander-arnold, la liga, madrid derby, comeback, last-minute winner
- Source: SI — https://si.com/soccer/real-madrid-player-ratings-vs-elche-signing-saves-los-blancos-disaster
- Published: 2026-09-15T22:00:42+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: real madrid, elche, yan diomande, carlos espí, kylian mbappé, arda güler, josé mourinho, trent alexander-arnold, la liga, madrid derby, comeback, last-minute winner
## Last-gasp winner saves Madrid
Carlos Espí scored in the 91st minute to give Real Madrid a 3-2 victory over Elche on Tuesday.
## Dominant first half display
Arda Güler's free kick forced an own goal in the 25th minute. Kylian Mbappé doubled the lead eight minutes later.
## Second half collapse begins
Mourinho's team got lazy and allowed Elche prolonged possession. Abiel Osorio pulled one back in the 71st minute.
## Elche complete the comeback
Fer Niño equalized in the 83rd minute, threatening a shocking collapse for Los Blancos.
## Mbappé creates the winner
The Frenchman raced forward in transition and squared the ball to Espí, who scored just before the final whistle.
## Derby concerns for Mourinho
The manager won't be happy his team nearly coughed up a two-goal lead with a Madrid derby looming.
## Diomande's slow integration
Mourinho slowly integrated the 19-year-old record-breaking signing rather than throwing him straight into the starting XI.
## First start earns another
Diomande's performance against Rayo Vallecano at the weekend earned him another start three days later against Elche.
## First assist for Madrid
Diomande tallied his first goal contribution with a tantalizing cross that Mbappé powered home for the second goal.
## Complete performance impresses
His pace in transition, silky moves, and defensive work rate outshone both Vinícius Júnior and Mbappé combined.

> He tracked back more than Vinícius Júnior and Mbappé combined.
## New attacking dimension
Diomande and Alexander-Arnold provided width on the right, drawing defenders and freeing space for Güler and Mbappé centrally.
## Ready for the derby
It remains unclear if Diomande will start in the Madrid derby, but he looks more than ready for the moment.
## Midfield duo struggles again
Valverde and Tchouaméni started together for the first time this season. They couldn't stabilize the team when Elche took control.
## Mbappé silences critics
After early criticism for missing chances, Mbappé has scored four goals in three matches and set up the winner.
## Güler stakes his claim
Playing in his favored number 10 role, the Turkish midfielder scored from a free kick and orchestrated attacks brilliantly.
## Shocking possession stats
Real Madrid allowed Elche 56% possession. They gave up trying to control the game after taking a two-goal lead.
## Lazy defending punished
Elche created just one big chance with an xG of 0.85, yet scored twice because of Los Blancos' lazy defending.
## Shooting accuracy problems
Mourinho's men took 20 shots but only four were on target. Shooting practice appears to be in order again.
## Key takeaway

Yan Diomande delivered his first assist and a standout performance, suggesting he's ready for a regular starting role at Real Madrid.