José Mourinho turned to Carlos Espí during a tense moment in Real Madrid's match against Elche on Tuesday night. With the game nearing its end and Madrid leading 2-0, they faltered, allowing Elche to equalize with goals from Abiel Osorio and Fer Niño in the 71st and 83rd minutes. As panic set in for Madrid, Mourinho's late instructions proved pivotal.

In the 88th minute, with the match hanging in the balance, Jude Bellingham made a crucial run, feeding Kylian Mbappé, who assisted Espí for the game-winner. The 21-year-old forward, who had already made headlines this season, scored again, securing a dramatic 3-2 victory for Madrid.

Espí, who rose to prominence last year after a stellar performance with Levante, has quickly become an essential player for Madrid, scoring twice in just 42 minutes of play this season. His impact is undeniable, as he continues to rescue his team in crucial moments.

Meanwhile, Barcelona has been on a remarkable run, scoring seven goals against Racing Santander and winning all seven competitive matches this season. With Raphinha leading the charge, they have set a blistering pace in La Liga, leaving Madrid trailing.

As the league progresses, each match becomes critical, especially with the upcoming derby against Atlético. Madrid's reliance on Espí highlights his growing importance as they seek to keep pace with their rivals.