LaLiga standings after Real Madrid's 3-2 win over Elche with late Espí goal

Real Madrid completed the job in Elche, but with far more anxiety than expected. José Mourinho's side beat Martín Anselmi's team 3-2 at the Martínez Valero on Tuesday and secured the win they wanted to put pressure on Barcelona in the race for the top of LaLiga EA Sports. Carlos Espí scored the decisive goal right at the death, when a draw looked like the most likely outcome.

With an own goal from Dituro, a Kylian Mbappé strike and the late winner from Carlos Espí, Real Madrid returned home with all three points. The reigning champions now have 15, the same total as Barcelona at this stage, although they have played one match more.

• Real Madrid beat Elche 3-2 thanks to a stoppage-time goal from Carlos Espí.
• Mourinho's team now has 15 points, level with leaders Barcelona.
• Barcelona, still perfect this season, host Racing de Santander on Wednesday.
• It was Real Madrid's fifth win of the campaign; their only defeat came at Real Betis.
• Next up for Los Blancos is a trip to Atlético de Madrid before the international break.

How the Real Madrid vs Elche match unfolded

The contest turned out far tighter than many expected for Real Madrid. Elche competed well and pushed the visitors all the way until the final whistle. Dituro's own goal put the away side in front, Mbappé extended the lead, and the hosts fought back to level the score. Just when the points looked set to be shared, Carlos Espí produced the decisive moment.

What the win means for Real Madrid in the title race

The victory in Elche keeps Real Madrid firmly in the hunt for first place. Los Blancos now sit on 15 points after six rounds, matching Barcelona's tally. The Catalan side have not dropped a single point so far, but the key difference is the schedule: Barcelona have played one game fewer and will complete matchday 6 on Wednesday against Racing de Santander.

Real Madrid's start to the LaLiga season under Mourinho

Since the current LaLiga EA Sports campaign kicked off, Real Madrid have collected five wins. They have beaten Espanyol, Real Sociedad, Málaga and now Elche. Their only setback was an away defeat to Real Betis, the lone blemish on an otherwise solid start that keeps them fighting at the top of the table ahead of the international break.

Next up: a Madrid derby before the international break

The calendar does not get any easier for Real Madrid. Their next commitment, just before the international break, is a visit to Atlético de Madrid. A high-stakes derby that will test the team's form and give them a chance to keep the pressure on Barcelona at the top of LaLiga.