Real Madrid narrowly defeated Leganes 3-2 in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals, with a last-minute goal by Gonzalo Garcia. Despite resting key players like Vinicius Jr., Kylian Mbappe, and Thibaut Courtois, Madrid managed to secure victory. Luka Modric and Endrick initially gave Madrid a lead, but Leganes fought back to equalize. The win sets Madrid up for upcoming challenges in La Liga and the Champions League.
Real Madrid faced a challenging encounter against Leganes in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals, ultimately securing a dramatic 3-2 victory. With several key players rested, including Vinicius Jr., Kylian Mbappe, and Thibaut Courtois, Madrid relied on a mix of youth and experience to overcome their local rivals. Gonzalo Garcia's stoppage-time header ensured Madrid's progression to the semi-finals, as they prepare for upcoming fixtures against Atletico Madrid and Manchester City.
Carlo Ancelotti made significant lineup changes for the Copa del Rey clash against Leganes, opting to rest several star players. With injuries affecting the squad, the team featured a blend of seasoned players and emerging talents. Notably, Endrick started as the center-forward, supported by Rodrygo Goes and Brahim Diaz in the attack. Arda Guler was positioned as the central attacking midfielder, while the defense saw the inclusion of young talents Raul Asencio and Jacobo Ramon. In goal, Andriy Lunin replaced the rested Thibaut Courtois. These strategic adjustments were crucial as Madrid navigated through their injury crisis and aimed to maintain their competitive edge in the tournament[1][3].
The match unfolded with Real Madrid taking an early lead through Luka Modric and Endrick, who scored in the 17th and 25th minutes respectively. However, Leganes fought back with a penalty goal by Juan Cruz in the 39th minute and an equalizer in the 59th minute, thanks to a deflected shot. Despite Madrid's dominance, Leganes capitalized on defensive errors to level the score. The match seemed destined for extra time until Gonzalo Garcia's crucial header in stoppage time secured Madrid's victory. This win was vital for Madrid as they prepare for their upcoming La Liga derby and Champions League playoff[4].
Following their hard-fought victory over Leganes, Real Madrid faces a series of challenging fixtures. They are set to meet Atletico Madrid in a crucial La Liga derby and Manchester City in the Champions League playoffs. With the team grappling with injuries to key players like Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, and Antonio Rüdiger, manager Carlo Ancelotti will need to continue relying on a mix of youth and experience. The performance against Leganes demonstrated Madrid's depth and resilience, but the upcoming matches will test their ability to maintain form and compete at the highest levels of European football[3][4].
Real Madrid's narrow win over Leganes in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals showcased the team's depth and adaptability in the face of adversity. With key players rested and several injuries, Madrid's younger talents stepped up to secure a vital victory. As they advance to the semi-finals, the focus will shift to upcoming challenges in La Liga and the Champions League. The team's ability to navigate these fixtures successfully will be crucial in maintaining their competitive stature both domestically and in Europe.
"We must return to Copa del Rey action with focus despite our injury crisis." - Carlo Ancelotti