Real helped to equalize, Radio Marca states: “It was a foul” » Xabi Alonso: “We didn't collapse”
Article by Aurelian Botezatu – Published Monday, November 24, 2025, 09:28 / Updated Monday, November 24, 2025 09:30
Real Madrid drew at Elche, 2-2, but the goal that avoided defeat was irregular – claims the refereeing expert from Radio Marca.
Jude Bellingham scored for 2-2, served by Kylian Mbappe (min. 87), but the Elche players protested vehemently, accusing the goalkeeper of a foul beforehand. “Rightfully so,” believes Radio Marca expert Perez Burrull.
Perez Burrull, Radio Marca expert: “It's a clear example of a dangerous game”
The former FIFA referee (2002 – 2010) commented on the incident just before Bellingham's success: “From my point of view, Vinicius hit the Elche goalkeeper in the face, causing him to bleed. It is a clear example of dangerous play, but the referee Francisco José Hernández Maeso considered it an accidental collision. It is a phase that leaves room for many interpretations.”
Vinicius kicks Elche's goalkeeper in the mouth / Photo: capture
Coach Xabi Alonso had left Vinicius on the bench again, but brought him on in the 57th minute, 4 minutes after Febas had opened the scoring for the hosts. Huijsen later equalized, served by Bellingham (78). The hosts did not blame the shock, and 6 minutes later, Rodriguez restored their lead, 2-1.
Xabi Alonso: “The team has not collapsed, it is still competitive”
Bellingham rescued a point for Real in the end, but it is the Galacticos' third consecutive game without a win, which puts manager Xabi Alonso in a delicate situation. “It's football. After a good run, we had results that weren't what we wanted.
We can't be happy. There are still many games until the end of the year and we have to think about next season,” Xabi commented at the press conference. He claims that “the team has not collapsed. It is still competitive. Results and gameplay can be improved. We are self-critical, but the spirit remains good. We must persevere in the face of adversity. This is Real Madrid and we know we have to live with the criticism.”
Xabi Alonso assures that there are no problems with Vinicius: “We spoke, as we often do”
In the end, he assured that he has no problems with the players. Not even with Vinicius, whom he left out for the fourth time in the first eleven. “The connection with the players is getting better. We know each other better and we are all in the same boat, going in the same direction. We celebrate together and we don't rejoice when we don't win.
We talked to Vini, as we often do. No problem. He understands and knew the role he was going to play. We are not happy today, but everyone is anxious to get back on track,” the Real Madrid coach concluded.
