Elche 2-2 Real Madrid

Real Madrid's stuttering form continued as they were forced to come from behind twice to salvage a point at the Martinez Valero.

After a goalless first half, Aleix Febas stunned the champions with a 53rd-minute opener. Although Dean Huijsen equalized for Los Blancos, Elche reclaimed the lead through former Madrid prospect Álvaro Rodriguez in the 84th minute.

It took a dramatic 87th-minute strike from Jude Bellingham to rescue a draw, keeping Madrid top but extending their winless run to three games.

Getafe 0-1 Atletico Madrid

Diego Simeone's side secured their fifth consecutive victory in typical gritty fashion, grinding out a narrow win at the Coliseum.

In a match devoid of clear-cut chances, Atletico's persistence paid off late in the game. The deadlock was finally broken in the 82nd minute when Getafe defender Domingos Duarte turned the ball into his own net under pressure.

The victory came at a cost, however, with Marcos Llorente limping off early, but the result keeps Los Colchoneros firmly in the title hunt.

Real Betis 1-1 Girona

European hopefuls Real Betis and Girona shared the spoils in a contentious affair at the Benito Villamarin.

The visitors struck first through Ukrainian striker Vladyslav Vanat, who finished a sharp counterattack in the 20th minute. Betis laboured for an equalizer but finally found one 15 minutes from time courtesy of Valentin Gomez.

The match ended on a sour note for the hosts when winger Antony was shown a straight red card in stoppage time, leaving Betis to hold on for the point.

Oviedo 0-0 Rayo Vallecano

Real Oviedo and Rayo Vallecano played out a tense, scoreless stalemate at the Carlos Tartiere that was defined more by discipline issues than goalscoring flair.

Oviedo were forced to play nearly the entire second half with ten men after Ilyas Chaira was dismissed in the 52nd minute. Despite the numerical advantage, Rayo failed to break down a resolute Oviedo defense.

The frustration boiled over late on, with Rayo's Pathe Ciss also seeing red in stoppage time as both sides settled for a hard-earned draw.

Thulani Hlatshwayo credits Gavin Hunt and SuperSport United for career revival