Gavi, FC Barcelona player
Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images
Inaki Pena delivered one of the standout goalkeeping performances of the La Liga season as Elche held Real Madrid to a dramatic 2-2 draw, a result that has shaken the top of the table and tightened the title race considerably.
The goalkeeper, currently on loan from Barcelona, put in a heroic display that frustrated the league leaders and kept his parent club within touching distance.
With five crucial saves, Pena became the wall that Real Madrid simply could not break down, ensuring Elche took a well-deserved point while Barcelona closed the gap to just one point.
His remarkable performance did not go unnoticed, especially by those closest to him.
After the final whistle, Pena’s close friend and Barcelona midfielder Gavi was among the first to publicly congratulate him.
The currently injured midfielder took to social media, posting a message of support alongside a photo of Pena being interviewed as the match’s MVP.
Gavi wrote, “Good job, Inaki !!!! I’m so happy for you, brother!”
Gavi sent a message to Inaki Pena. (Source: Instagram)
Beyond his saves, Pena also found himself at the centre of controversy during Real Madrid’s last-minute equaliser.
The play leading up to Jude Bellingham’s 2-2 goal included contact from Vinicius, who struck Pena in the face just before Bellingham converted.
While the referee and VAR ultimately allowed the goal to stand, Pena felt the situation should have been handled differently.
Despite the frustration surrounding that moment, the goalkeeper’s overall display was exceptional and instrumental in shaping the weekend’s title implications.
Barcelona’s win over Athletic Club, combined with Madrid’s dropped points, has now reduced the gap at the top of the table to a single point.
On one hand, for Pena, it was a night of personal triumph, while for Barcelona, it was a timely gift from a player who will return at the end of the season.