Real Madrid Sink Elche as Rayo and Valencia Also Claim La Liga Victories

La Liga served up three matches on September 15, and all three produced a winner, with the day's most dramatic scoreline coming at the Estadio Martínez Valero in Elche, where Real Madrid edged past the hosts by three goals to two in a contest that offered plenty of entertainment.

Madrid's victory keeps them firmly in the title conversation, though the concession of two goals at a ground they were expected to dominate will give Carlo Ancelotti pause for thought. Elche, for their part, showed they are far from an easy afternoon's work for anyone in the division, and their supporters will have left the stadium with reasons for cautious optimism despite the defeat.

In Leganés, Rayo Vallecano made it a fruitful night at the Estadio Municipal de Butarque by seeing off Espanyol two goals to one. The result is a boost for Rayo's ambitions in the lower half of the table, while Espanyol's travel-day disappointment adds to what has been a frustrating spell for the visitors.

Valencia completed the evening's winning trio with a narrow one-nil victory over Alavés at Mendizorrotza in Vitoria-Gasteiz. A single goal separated the sides, but the three points will feel significant for Valencia as they look to build momentum after a turbulent period at the club. Alavés remain in need of a lift at home, having failed to trouble the scoreboard in front of their own supporters.

Across the three fixtures, twelve goals were scored in total, a reminder of why La Liga continues to capture the imagination on even its quietest midweek evenings. Attention now turns to the weekend's round of fixtures, where the picture in the standings will become clearer.