Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe, right, and Elche's Victor Chust challenge for the ball during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Elche and Real Madrid in Elche, Spain, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz)
Real Madrid’s ambition to clinch the 2025-2026 La Liga title took a significant blow following their dramatic 2-2 draw away at Elche. Elche’s resilience was on full display as they scored first in the 53rd minute, and despite an equaliser from Dean Huijsen at the 78th minute, the hosts refused to back down, netting again in the 84th. This intense fight from a team often underestimated sent a message: Real Madrid faces fierce challenges ahead. The late goal from Jude Bellingham in the 87th minute salvaged a point but did little to cover the cracks in Madrid’s drive towards the title.
The manner of the draw underlines Real Madrid’s struggles to assert dominance consistently, contrasting sharply with their fierce rivals, Barcelona’s momentum. Barcelona, fresh from reclaiming their home advantage at the renovated Camp Nou, leverages the massive crowd support, which was absent earlier in the season when they had to settle for playing at the smaller Johan Cruyff Stadium. This factor alone boosts Barcelona’s morale and finances, giving them a tangible edge.
On the pitch, the ascendancy of young stars like Lamine Yamal heralds a new era. Yamal, with an impressive goal and assist tally, has been more clinical and prolific than Real’s frontline, often dubbed the “White Angels.” His ability to consistently find the target and drive Barcelona’s attacking play overshadows Real Madrid’s struggles to maintain a sharp goal-scoring edge.
With Barcelona only one point behind Real Madrid, their solid form, home advantage, and emerging talent propel them as slight favourites
. Real Madrid’s inability to dominate lesser teams, such as Elche, coupled with their defensive lapses, suggests that their La Liga title hopes hang by a thin thread as the season progresses.
In football terms, the title race is now a thriller, but the signs favour Barcelona’s hunger and momentum over Real Madrid’s faltering resolve. The battle for La Liga supremacy is far from over, yet the scales have inched towards the Catalan giants.
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