Real Madrid secured a narrow 3-2 victory over Elche in their La Liga match on 15/9/2026, a game that head coach Jose Mourinho described as exciting but highlighted areas for improvement. Despite taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the first half, Real allowed Elche to stage a comeback, ultimately needing a late goal to clinch the win at the Manuel Martinez Valero stadium in Elche, Spain.

Mourinho admitted that after the initial 45 minutes, he and his team believed they could score three or four more goals in the second half. However, the dynamics of the game shifted when Real reduced their intensity, granting Elche more space and allowing them to gradually regain control. "There are matches that seem over but aren't," Mourinho said. "The issue is that we had the chance to kill off the game but failed to do so. When things appeared easy, we let the game slip, and that's when danger emerged. But the good thing is that no one falls asleep watching Real Madrid matches, because they are very exciting."

Jose Mourinho reacts during the Real Madrid vs Elche La Liga match in Elche, Alicante, Spain, 15/9/2026. *Photo: AP*

The Portuguese coach emphasized the importance of controlling the game. While he appreciated Real scoring many goals, he did not want the team to sacrifice their proactive approach and then face the risk of losing a victory. He acknowledged Elche's strong performance and the effectiveness of coach Sebastian Beccacece's tactical adjustments, which troubled Real. Mourinho also noted that the packed Martinez Valero stadium contributed to the home team's resurgence after they seemed to have lost hope. "In stadiums like this, with such an atmosphere, a team that seems dead can suddenly come back to life," Mourinho remarked.

To strengthen the midfield as Vinicius Junior and Arda Guler began to tire, Mourinho brought on Jude Bellingham and Brahim Diaz. However, just as he sought to consolidate control, Elche narrowed the score to 1-2 and then equalized at 2-2. After Elche leveled the score, Real was compelled to take significant risks in the final minutes. Mourinho introduced more attacking players, accepting that the team could either win or potentially drop points. Forward Carlos Espi ultimately scored the decisive goal, securing Real's 3-2 victory.

Real players frustrated after Fer Nino equalized 2-2 for Elche in Real's 3-2 victory over hosts Elche in La Liga's 6th round at Manuel Martinez Valero stadium, Elche, Spain, 15/9/2026. *Photo: AP*

Espi continued to impress as he rescued Real, but Mourinho stated that the young forward still had to compete for a starting position with Kylian Mbappe, who leads the La Liga scoring race with 7 goals. This is because the team currently plays with a single striker system. Mourinho also denied that any player was irreplaceable, including Arda Guler, suggesting that the Turkish midfielder had reduced his intensity while operating in the number 10 position and covering many areas on the pitch.

New signing Yan Diomande also received praise after his performance at Elche. Mourinho assessed that the player was progressing, had a good training attitude, and displayed intelligence in his play. Having to play most of the match with a yellow card further pleased the Real coach.

Real forward Yan Diomande attempts to dribble past Elche defender Tete Morente during Real's 3-2 victory over Elche in La Liga's 6th round at Manuel Martinez Valero stadium, Elche, Spain, 15/9/2026. *Photo: AP*

The victory against Elche also extended Real's demanding schedule. Mourinho stated that the team had rotated its squad significantly, with only Konate and Mbappe playing the full 90 minutes in all three matches against Inter, Rayo Vallecano, and Elche. This rotation strategy aims to better prepare them for their next match against Atletico Madrid in the 7th round on 20/9.

Xuan Binh (according to Marca, AS)