On video: a last-gasp win laced with anxiety: Real Madrid navigate the Elche trap and raise question marks before the derby

Mourinho nearly paid the price for his decisions

Real Madrid avoided the trap set by hosts Elche in the dying moments, causing concern among their fans ahead of the eagerly awaited derby against Atletico Madrid next Sunday.

Los Blancos were cruising towards an easy win, then made life hard for themselves before snatching three points with great effort in a 3-2 victory on Tuesday evening at the "Manuel Martinez Valero" stadium in the sixth round of the Spanish league.

The result lifted Real Madrid to second, their tally now up to 15 points, level with leaders Barcelona but behind on goal difference. Barca can stretch the gap should they beat Racing Santander tomorrow, Wednesday.

Five wins from six now for Real Madrid this season. Their only slip came in the fourth round, a defeat away to Real Betis.

Elche, by contrast, stay stuck on two points and rooted to the bottom.