Real Madrid failed to get maximum points in the 22nd week of the Spanish La Liga. The Real Madrid camp had to work hard to force the game to end in a 2-2 draw.
The Real Madrid vs Elche match held on Sunday (23/1/2022) at the Santiago Bernabeu. Despite only scooping one point, El Real’s position remains safe at the top of the Spanish La Liga standings.
Real Madrid is still firmly at the top of the standings with 50 points. Their closest rivals, Sevilla, are second with 46 points.
Shown with a 4-3-3 formation, Carlo Ancelotti’s squad was sluggish at the beginning of the game.
After kick off, Real Madrid tried to control possession of the ball. Meanwhile, Elche appeared carefree by trying to apply high pressure to the home players.
In the 11th minute, Madrid was able to provide a threat to Elche’s goal. Unfortunately, the cooperation of the trio of Eden Hazard, Karim Benzema, and Vinicius Junior has not been able to thrill Elche’s goal.
Minute 27, it was Benzema’s turn to get a golden opportunity to break into Elche’s goal after receiving a sweet header from David Alaba. However, Benzema’s shot still went into the arms of Elche goalkeeper, Edgar Badia.
Madrid actually had a chance to take the lead in this match in the 33rd minute. Los Merengues were awarded a penalty after Vinicius Junior was fouled by Elche players.
Karim Benzema stepped up as the penalty taker. But Benzema’s kick just bounced over the visitors’ crossbar.
Elche who appeared with a 4-4-2 pattern actually managed to steal the points first thanks to Lucas Boye’s goal in the 42nd minute.
Real Madrid’s efforts continued to stagnate until the first half ended 1-0 in favor of the visitors.
In the second half, Real Madrid continued to attack the opponent’s defense. But the trident of Eden Hazard, Vinicius Junior, and Karim Benzema did not produce results.
On the other hand, Elche was able to double the advantage through Pere Milla’s goal in the 76th minute. This makes Real Madrid almost swallow a bitter pill if the opponent maintains the victory until the end of the match.
Luckily, Real Madrid got a windfall in the 81st minute when the referee declared Pere Milla had a handball in the penalty box. Luka Modric, who served as executor, did not waste the opportunity to cut the number deficit.
El Real continues to try to attack Elche’s defense. Their hard work only paid off with a header from Eder Militao after using Vinicius Junior’s assist in injury time. The 2-2 score lasted until the referee blew the long whistle.