Real Madrid vs CD Leganes: La Liga Preview
Defending champions Real Madrid host relegation-threatened CD Leganes at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday night in a big La Liga game. Barcelona are top of the table, and Real Madrid must win to stay in the title race.
Real Madrid are second in the La Liga table with 60 points from 28 games, three behind Barcelona. They come off a 2-1 win over Villarreal and a Champions League win over Atletico Madrid. With 10 games left, every point counts.
Leganes are 18th in the table with 27 points from 28 games, level with 17th-placed Alaves but behind on goal difference. They have lost their last two games and face a tough task against one of the best teams in Spain.
Team News & Tactics
Real Madrid
Carlo Ancelotti has several absentees: Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal, Ferland Mendy, Dani Ceballos, and Jesus Vallejo are out. No new injuries after the international break.
Real Madrid will play 4-4-2. Thibaut Courtois will start in goal, Lucas Vazquez and Fran Garcia as full-backs. Antonio Rudiger will partner Raul Asencio in central defence. Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni will anchor the midfield, and Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo on the flanks. Vinicius Junior will play with Kylian Mbappe up front.
Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Courtois; Vazquez, Asencio, Rudiger, Fran Garcia; Rodrygo, Valverde, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Vinicius, Mbappe.
CD Leganes
Jose Luis Marti has fewer injuries but will be without Enric Franquesa. Diego Garcia and Yvan Neyou are doubtful and will be assessed later. They will play 4-5-1 to counter Real Madrid’s attack. Marko Dmitrovic will start in goal, with Valentin Rosier and Javi Hernandez as full-backs. Sergio Gonzalez and Matija Nastasic will be the central defensive pairing. Renato Tapia will anchor alongside Seydouba Cisse and Oscar Rodriguez. Juan Cruz and Darko Brasanac will be the wingers, and Dani Raba will lead the line.
Probable Lineup (4-5-1): Dmitrovic; Rosier, Gonzalez, Nastasic, Javi Hernandez; Cruz, Rodriguez, Tapia, Cisse, Brasanac; Raba.
Stats
- Real Madrid have won their last 4 games in all competitions.
- Leganes have won just 1 of their last 5 La Liga games.
- Real Madrid have the best home record in La Liga this season with 34 points from 13 games.
- Leganes have 10 points from 14 away league games this season.
- Real Madrid have never lost to Leganes in La Liga (W7 D2).
Player to Watch: Rodrygo
Rodrygo has been a consistent performer for Real Madrid this season, with 13 goals and eight assists across all competitions. While he hasn’t scored or assisted in his last seven league outings, this match presents an opportunity for the Brazilian winger to rediscover his form against a struggling Leganes side.
Real Madrid vs Leganes Prediction
Real Madrid’s superior quality and home advantage make them overwhelming favorites for this clash. While Leganes will aim to frustrate their hosts with a defensive setup, Los Blancos should have enough firepower to secure a comfortable victory.
Real Madrid 3-1 CD Leganes
Real Madrid vs Leganes Live Stream
Watch online via NaijaSport247
