Real Madrid’s struggles deepened on Sunday, November 23, 2025, when they were held to a 2-2 draw by struggling Elche at Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero in Elche, Spain — extending their winless run to three matches across all competitions. The result, sealed by a dramatic 87th-minute equalizer from Jude Bellingham, left Real Madrid without a victory since October 30 and clinging to fifth place in La Liga. Meanwhile, Elche, still searching for their first league win since October 5, extended their own winless streak to six matches, leaving them 11th with just 12 points from 12 games.
From despair to hope — the rollercoaster of 90 minutes
Elche, playing with grit and purpose in front of 22,500 fans, took a shock lead in the 53rd minute when Aleix Febas — a 28-year-old midfielder who had started just three league games this season — curled a precise finish past Thibaut Courtois. Real Madrid, looking disjointed and lacking rhythm, struggled to impose themselves. But just as the home crowd began to dream of a historic upset, Dean Huijsen, the 19-year-old Dutch-Italian defender, rose above the defense in the 78th minute to head home his first goal for the club — a moment of pure relief for a side under mounting pressure.
Then came the twist. In the 84th minute, Álvaro Rodríguez, Elche’s 20-year-old forward and one of La Liga’s breakout stars this season, pounced on a defensive lapse to slot home his sixth goal of the campaign. The stadium erupted. Real Madrid’s lead in the title race was evaporating. Fans in Madrid began texting each other: "Is this really happening?"
Bellingham’s heroics — and Chust’s costly red card
But Real Madrid, despite their flaws, still carry the DNA of champions. In the 87th minute, Jude Bellingham — the 22-year-old English midfielder whose £103 million transfer last summer was meant to fix their midfield — received the ball just inside the penalty area. He feinted right, then cut left, evading two challenges before firing low past goalkeeper Álex Sánchez. The goal wasn’t pretty, but it was instinctive. The kind of moment that defines elite players.
As the final whistle neared, Elche’s Víctor Chust, already on a yellow card, lunged recklessly at Bellingham in the 90+3rd minute. The referee had no choice. Red. The crowd fell silent. The dismissal felt symbolic — Elche’s fight, their moment, snatched away in the final seconds.
What this means for Real Madrid’s season
This is Real Madrid’s longest winless run since the 2018-2019 season under Santiago Solari — a period that ended with the club sacking their manager and bringing in Zinedine Zidane. Now, under Xabi Alonso, the pressure is mounting. "The team continues to compete," Alonso said post-match. "The results and our game could be better. We are self-critical but the team's spirit remains good. We must persevere in the face of adversity. This is Real Madrid, we have to live with criticism."
They’re now seven points behind league leaders Real Sociedad and just one point ahead of sixth-placed Sevilla. A top-four finish — and automatic Champions League qualification — is no longer guaranteed. Their next three fixtures are brutal: away at Olympiacos in the Champions League on November 26, then at UD Las Palmas on December 1, and finally, the El Clásico at the Bernabéu on December 7. Lose one of those, and the season could unravel.
Meanwhile, Atlético Madrid keep rolling
While Real Madrid floundered, their city rivals Club Atlético de Madrid were celebrating. On the same day, they beat Getafe 1-0 at Coliseum Alfonso Pérez, thanks to an 82nd-minute own-goal by Getafe’s Domingos Duarte. It was their fifth straight win since that humiliating 4-0 loss to Arsenal in October.
Koke, the 33-year-old captain, made his 700th appearance for the club — a milestone few in modern football achieve. And Diego Simeone, now in his 12th season, has turned this team into a machine. While Real Madrid look fractured, Atlético are tightening. They’re now second in La Liga, just two points behind the leaders. Their next game? A home clash against Bayer Leverkusen on November 27 — a Champions League clash that could define their group.
What’s next for Elche and Real Madrid?
Elche’s next match is against RCD Mallorca on November 30 — a chance to finally break their winless streak. But with only 12 points from 12 games, relegation fears are growing. Their defense, which conceded 10 goals in their last five matches, looks vulnerable. Meanwhile, Real Madrid must regroup quickly. The Champions League trip to Piraeus is no gift. Olympiacos are tough at home, and a loss there could eliminate them from the knockout stage.
Why this matters beyond the table
This isn’t just about points. It’s about identity. Real Madrid are the most decorated club in football history — but they’re playing like a team unsure of who they are. Bellingham is brilliant, but he’s carrying too much. Vinícius Jr. looks isolated. Rodrygo is inconsistent. The midfield lacks control. And the defense? Too many mistakes.
Elche, meanwhile, are a club that has survived financial collapse, relegation, and fan unrest. Their resilience is admirable. But survival isn’t enough. They need a spark. A win. A moment. And maybe, just maybe, that moment was almost here — until Bellingham had other ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this draw affect Real Madrid’s chances of winning La Liga?
Real Madrid are now seven points behind league leaders Real Sociedad and have only won three of their last 10 league matches. With six games left before the winter break and a tough Champions League schedule, they’re no longer in control of their destiny. To win the title, they’ll need to win nearly every remaining game — and hope rivals slip up. That’s unlikely without a major turnaround in form.
Why is Jude Bellingham being singled out as the key player?
Bellingham has scored or assisted in 10 of Real Madrid’s 12 league games this season. In their three winless matches, he’s been the only consistent threat — scoring the equalizer against Elche, netting the winner against Girona, and providing the assist in the draw with Barcelona. He’s the only player on the team who consistently delivers under pressure.
What’s the significance of Dean Huijsen’s first goal?
Huijsen, a 19-year-old defender signed from Juventus for €18 million, had been criticized for being too slow and inconsistent. His goal wasn’t just his first for the club — it was his first in professional football. It gave Real Madrid hope at a time when their defense looked brittle. For a teenager, it’s a psychological turning point — and could be the moment he finally earns trust from Xabi Alonso.
How does Elche’s performance compare to previous seasons?
Elche finished 17th last season and barely avoided relegation. This year, they’ve shown more attacking intent — scoring 13 goals in 12 matches, more than any season since 2015. But their defense has conceded 21 goals — the third-worst in La Liga. They’re playing better football, but without consistency, they’re still one bad month away from the drop zone.
What’s the impact of Víctor Chust’s red card on Elche’s season?
Chust is Elche’s most reliable full-back, playing 11 of 12 league games this season. A red card means an automatic one-match suspension, and possibly more if reviewed. With Elche already thin in defense — and their backup right-back injured since October — losing Chust for even one game could be devastating, especially with Mallorca coming up next.
Why is Real Madrid’s winless streak considered alarming?
Real Madrid haven’t gone three matches without a win since 2019 — and that was under Santiago Solari, who was fired. Since then, they’ve won 10 league titles. This stretch includes draws with Girona and Barcelona, and a loss to Sevilla. It’s not just about results — it’s about the team’s confidence, tactical clarity, and mental resilience. Fans and media are asking: Is this the beginning of a decline?
