Real Madrid will aim to bounce back from their recent defeat as they travel to face Leganes in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals. After a surprising loss to Espanyol in La Liga, Carlo Ancelotti’s side will be eager to regain their winning form and move closer to securing a spot in the semi-finals of this prestigious competition.
Leganes’ Recent Form
Leganes, currently 16th in La Liga, are fighting to avoid relegation but have shown resilience in the Copa del Rey. They advanced to the quarter-finals with victories over FC Cartagena and Almeria. Despite a recent 1-0 loss to Rayo Vallecano, Leganes pulled off a stunning 1-0 win against Atletico Madrid earlier this month, proving they can compete with top-tier teams.
However, facing Real Madrid is a different challenge altogether. Leganes will need to be at their absolute best to stand a chance against the Spanish giants.
Real Madrid’s Momentum
Real Madrid have been dominant in the Copa del Rey so far, thrashing Club Deportiva Minera 5-0 and Celta Vigo 5-2 in the earlier rounds. Their six-match winning streak was snapped by a controversial 1-0 loss to Espanyol, but Ancelotti’s men remain confident heading into this clash.
With key players like Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr., and Kylian Mbappe in their ranks, Real Madrid will be looking to make a statement and secure their place in the semi-finals.
Team News and Tactics
Leganes
Leganes will miss Enrique Franquesa and Seydouba Cisse due to injuries, but Sergio González is available despite his recent red card, as his suspension applies to La Liga.
Manager Asier Garitano is expected to set up his team in a defensive 5-4-1 formation. Juan Soriano will start in goal, with a backline of Adrià Altimira, Valentin Rosier, Sergio González, Matija Nastasić, and Juan Cruz.
In midfield, Dani Raba and Óscar Rodríguez will operate on the wings, while Yvan Neyou and Renato Tapia will anchor the center. Miguel de la Fuente will lead the attack, hoping to capitalize on any defensive lapses from Real Madrid.
Probable Lineup (5-4-1): Soriano; Altimira, Rosier, González, Nastasić, Cruz; Raba, Neyou, Tapia, Rodríguez; De La Fuente
Real Madrid
Real Madrid have a few injury concerns, with Antonio Rüdiger, Dani Carvajal, and Eder Militao sidelined. Eduardo Camavinga is also a doubt for this match.
Ancelotti is likely to rotate his squad to keep players fresh for upcoming fixtures against Atletico Madrid and Manchester City. Andriy Lunin will start in goal, with Lucas Vazquez and Ferland Mendy as full-backs. Raul Asencio and Aurélien Tchouameni will pair up in central defense.
In midfield, Luka Modric and Federico Valverde will control the tempo, while Brahim Diaz and Vinicius Jr. will provide width. Jude Bellingham will play in the number 10 role, supporting Kylian Mbappe, who will lead the attack.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Lunin; Vazquez, Tchouameni, Asencio, Mendy; Valverde, Modric; Diaz, Bellingham, Vinicius; Mbappe
Key Stats
- Real Madrid have won the Copa del Rey 20 times and are aiming for their 21st title.
- Leganes defeated Real Madrid in the 2017-18 Copa del Rey quarter-finals.
- Real Madrid won 3-0 when these teams met in La Liga earlier this season.
- Leganes were on a five-match unbeaten run before their loss to Rayo Vallecano.
Player to Watch: Brahim Diaz
Brahim Diaz has been a standout performer for Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey, contributing two goals in his two appearances. Despite not being a regular starter, Diaz has consistently made an impact and will be a key player to watch in this fixture.
CD Leganes vs Real Madrid Prediction
While Leganes have shown they can compete with top teams, Real Madrid’s quality and depth should prove too much for the home side. Expect a dominant performance from Los Blancos as they aim to secure their place in the semi-finals.
Leganes 1-5 Real Madrid
CD Leganes vs Real Madrid Live Stream
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