Half-Time Report: Real Madrid come from behind to lead against Elche

Real Madrid have come from behind against Elche to take a 3-1 lead into the break of their La Liga match this evening.

The visitors came close early on when Edu Albacar's low free kick was gathered at the second time of asking by Keylor Navas.

Toni Kroos had Madrid's first chance of the evening, but after being picked out on the edge of the box he fired a strike wide of the post.

Soon after, the visitors were awarded a controversial penalty when Cristiano Ronaldo was adjudged to have fouled Pedro Mosquera inside the box as he tried to clear the ball.

Elche captain Albacar stepped up to the spot and made no mistake with a composed finish into the top corner.

It didn't take long for the home side to level, as five minutes later Gareth Bale met James Rodriguez's cross at the near post and flicked a header past Manu Herrera.

The referee then awarded Madrid a penalty after Mosquera brought down Marcelo inside the box and Ronaldo converted from the spot.

Ronaldo scored his second of the match four minutes later when he connected with Marcelo's cross, before planting a header into the corner of the net.

The Portuguese came close to a third goal when his powerful free kick was beaten away by Herrera and moments later the keeper denied a close-range attempt from Kroos.

Sergio Ramos saw a header saved by the keeper just before half time, as Madrid held on to take their two-goal advantage into the break.