Song Of Madrid's Six Wins Stopped In The Hands Of Elche
JAKARTA - Real Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw by Elche in the continuation of the La Liga match which took place on Thursday morning. Los Blancos lost ground in the league title race against leaders Atletico Madrid.
A goal from Luka Modric's header gave the reigning champions the lead in the 20th minute. But Elche found another way to do well in this match when Fidel Chaves equalized from a penalty early in the second half.
In this match, the two teams created several opportunities to pack the three points. Elche striker Lucas Boye almost scored when his attempt hit the post. On the other hand, Real Madrid defenders Dani Carvajal and Sergio Ramos forced goalkeeper Edgar Badia to make brilliant saves that saved his team from defeat.
"We started the match very well but our opponents have studied us well, they locked the ball straight away and tried to hit us at half-time and it would not be too surprising if we couldn't win," said Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro.
Toni Kroos threw a header wide from the back of the net in a free position, while Marcelo came close to putting his team in front after hitting the net before Modric's goal. Likewise with Marco Asensio, whose shot met the crossbar.
Zinedine Zidane's team were awarded a penalty for touching the ball with their hand, but that decision was ruled out after seeing VAR.
Elche had the chance to wrap up the win in the tie in the last minute from a free kick but defender Gonzalo Verdu's shot was cleared by Real keeper Thibaut Courtois.
This series halted Madrid's winning streak in six consecutive matches in all competitions.
The result also leaves Real second in the standings after collecting 33 points or two points behind city rivals Atletico who also have two games more.
Elche himself ranks 15th after collecting 16 points.