Real Madrid came close to a massive upset at Elche’s home stadium in the 6th matchday of La Liga. The “Queen” managed to take a two-goal lead, but the home team came out of nowhere to tie the game at 2-2. It took a last-minute save by Espi in the 90+1st minute to seal the final 3-2 victory for José Mourinho’s team.
After the final whistle, the Portuguese coach spoke to the media and emphasized that his team had failed to “seal the deal” the game and allowed Elche to come back and get something out of a match that should have been decided earlier, while also emphasizing the need for greater focus right up until the final minute.
Here’s what José Mourinho had to say:
“I can only criticize the fact that we don’t close out games when we should. I told the players that, too. We could have been winning 3-0 or even 4-0. There was absolutely no reason to risk throwing away points again; we had plenty of chances, but we let Elche get back into the game.”
José Mourinho: “I can only criticize the fact that we don’t close out games when we can. I told the players this.”
“We could have been up 3-0 or 4-0…”
Advertisement“There was ZERO reason to risk dropping points again; we had many chances, but we let Elche back into the game.” pic.twitter.com/nswx3wJAw8
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 15, 2026
*photo source: KYPE
José Mourinho: “I can only criticize the fact that we don’t close out games when we can. I told the players this.”
