Real Madrid could not get themselves back in front and are now two points behind Atletico, who earlier beat Getafe, having played two matches more.

The hosts – winless in their last eight league games, but with three draws from their last five matches – started brightly and Emiliano Rigoni forced Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois into an early save.

Real Madrid defender Marcelo saw his volley crash against the crossbar before the visitors went in front after 20 minutes.

Elche goalkeeper Edgar Badia touched a long-range effort from Marco Asensio onto the bar and Croatia midfielder Modric headed the rebound in.

The visitors thought they had been awarded a penalty in the 36th minute for handball against Victor Rodriguez.

The referee, however, reviewed the incident on the pitchside monitor and overturned his original decision as the ball had hit the Elche midfielder on the thigh.

Elche were themselves awarded a spot-kick five minutes into the second half when Dani Carvajal pulled down Antonio Barragan after a free-kick was played into the box, and Fidel converted the penalty.

The home side were lifted by their equaliser and Lucas Boye saw his shot on the turn hit the outside of a post following a break down the right from Rigoni.

Los Blancos stepped things up again heading into the closing stages as Badia had to make two smart saves to keep the scores level.

Carvajal found space inside the penalty area for a low, angled shot which Badia pushed away, before denying captain Sergio Ramos as he drilled the ball in from close range.

Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane sent on Federico Valverde and Eden Hazard for the final 10 minutes, replacing Lucas Vasquez and Toni Kroos, as he looked to inject fresh life into the attack.

Elche, battling for points at the other end of the table, created a late chance when Boye fired just off target.

Karim Benzema's flicked header from a cross by Modric dropped wide as Real Madrid had to settle for a draw.