Real Madrid had a frustrating 1-1 draw at the fighting Elche on Wednesday. They lost precious points and are now behind 2 points behind leaders Atletico Madrid in the La Liga title chase.
Meanwhile, Real have played 2 games more than Atletico as well. With Elche forward Lucas Boye striking the post, both sides had chances to take all three points. While Real defenders Dani Carvajal and Sergio Ramos were thwarted by fine saves from Edgar Badia. But a header from Luka Modric gave the champions the lead in the 20th minute.
Elche won a free kick in added time and had a last-gasp chance to win the game. But Real keeper Thibaut Courtois tipped away the shot of defender Gonzalo Verdu. Zidane’s side had a penalty incorrectly awarded for a block by an Elche player which the referee thought had struck his arm. But the official corrected the decision after reviewing it on the pitchside monitor.
Toni Kroos missed the target with a free header and Marcelo clanged the crossbar shortly before Modric put his side in front, following up a thumping strike from Marco Asensio which also hit the bar. Elche only troubled Courtois once in the first half. But they earned a golden chance to level when Carvajal was penalised for grappling with Antonio Barragan.
Courtois guessed the right way but Fidel’s penalty had too much power. Real’s record signing Eden Hazard returned after over a month out injured but could not help his side get the winner they craved. The draw halted a six-match winning streak in all competitions for Real. This result left them second in the standings on 33 points, two behind city rivals Atletico.
