What a night of European football! While some results went as expected, others left us absolutely stunned. The biggest shocker had to be Real Madrid dropping points in a chaotic 2-2 draw against Elche, a result that has them level with Barcelona at the top of La Liga. It was a game defined by sloppy play, moments of individual brilliance, and the revival of an old, familiar ghost for Los Blancos.
Key Highlights
- ✓ Real Madrid were held to a frustrating 2-2 draw by a determined Elche side in La Liga.
- ✓ The infamous "Castilla Curse" seemed to be in full effect, with former academy players Aleix Febas and Álvaro Rodríguez scoring for Elche.
- ✓ Jude Bellingham was the standout player for Madrid, scoring one goal and assisting another in a performance rated 9/10.
- ✓ In Serie A, AC Milan claimed a massive victory over their bitter rivals Inter, moving them up to second in the table.
- ✓ Manager Xabi Alonso's tactical approach was questioned, earning him a low 5/10 rating as his side struggled for control.
The Curse of the Castilla Graduates
If you're a long-time Madrid fan, you've probably heard whispers of the "Castilla Curse"—that old spooky tale of former academy players coming back to haunt their parent club. Well, it felt less like a myth and more like a documentary on this particular evening. It was a theme that Madrid probably hoped they'd left in the past, but it came roaring back to life at the Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero.
The first blow came from Aleix Febas, a player who was once Castilla's Player of the Year back in 2016/17. He found the back of the net after a quick two-pass interchange took Madrid's defenders completely out of the equation, poking the ball past a diving Thibaut Courtois. For a long stretch, Madrid just didn't seem to have an answer, barely putting up a fight to get back into the match.
As if that wasn't enough, later in the game, another former Castilla striker, Álvaro Rodríguez, was brought on as a substitute for Elche. You could almost feel what was coming next; it felt like it was written in the stars. Rodríguez drove forward with the ball before unleashing a fantastic low finish to give his side a 2-1 lead. It was a fabulous goal and a dagger to the hearts of the travelling Madrid supporters.
One Man's Fight: Bellingham's Masterclass
Despite the team's overall sloppy performance, one player stood head and shoulders above the rest: Jude Bellingham. He was the driving force behind Madrid's attempted comeback, refusing to let the game slip away without a fight. His performance was described as "excellent throughout," and it's easy to see why he earned a near-perfect 9/10 rating for his efforts.
Madrid's first goal came from a set-piece, a corner that saw Bellingham flick the ball on for Dean Huijsen to poke home. That goal momentarily kept the pitchforks at bay, but after Rodríguez scored for Elche, it was Bellingham who once again dragged his team back from the brink. In an almost immediate reply, he side-footed into an empty net after a clever cutback from Kylian Mbappe.
The drama wasn't over. Late into the eight minutes of added time, another former Castilla player, Victor Chust, impacted the game, but this time for the wrong reasons. He was sent off for a second booking after practically pulling Mbappe's shirt off. Unfortunately for Madrid, it was too late to capitalize, and a golden opportunity for a winner was missed when Gonzalo Garcia couldn't quite stretch enough to turn in a cross, sealing a frustrating point for Los Blancos.
Player Ratings Tell the Story
Looking at the player ratings, it's clear this was a night of mixed fortunes. While Bellingham was a star, others struggled. Thibaut Courtois (6/10) made some tidy saves in the first half but was beaten twice and might feel he could have done better on one. At the back, Dean Huijsen (7/10) not only scored but did his defensive duties well.
In the midfield, Trent Alexander-Arnold (6/10) had a typically mixed game, creating chances but also falling asleep on one of the goals. Dani Ceballos (5/10) was described as "pretty tepid" and was easily bypassed. In attack, Rodrygo (6/10) didn't quite seize his moment in his first start since October 19, while Kylian Mbappe (7/10) was impactful with his dangerous runs and clever assist.
Meanwhile, a Derby Day Triumph in Milan
While Madrid was struggling in Spain, a massive rivalry was unfolding in Italy. The Milan derby saw AC Milan secure a huge win over their city rivals, Inter Milan. The three points were massive, catapulting them up to second place in the Serie A table and giving them ultimate bragging rights.
A huge part of their success came down to goalkeeper Mike Maignan, who seems to have become a penalty-saving machine. He's now saved three of the last six penalties he's faced in Serie A, a huge improvement after saving just one of the previous twelve. In a tight derby, having a keeper that reliable from the spot is an incredible asset.
Interestingly, the match also highlighted some incredible longevity in Italian football. With his appearance, Luka Modric (aged 40 years and 75 days) reportedly joined an elite list of outfield players to feature in a Milan derby after turning 40. He follows legends like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Alessandro Costacurta, Paolo Maldini, and Javier Zanetti—a true testament to enduring class.
Conclusion
What a night of contrasts. In Spain, Real Madrid learned a harsh lesson that the past can always come back to bite you, as the "Castilla Curse" cost them two valuable points in the title race. Despite the individual heroics of Jude Bellingham, it was a poor team performance that left Xabi Alonso with plenty to think about. Over in Italy, it was a story of derby day delight for AC Milan, whose crucial victory was built on defensive steel and big-moment saves. It just goes to show you that in football, nothing is ever guaranteed.
