Real Madrid face a critical stretch in their season with Carlo Ancelotti’s team up against Leganés in the last eight of the Copa del Rey.
By Graham Ruthven
Real response required
Few saw Real Madrid’s 1-0 defeat to Espanyol coming. Los Blancos had been on a five-match winning streak in all competitions and looked to have built momentum ahead of a trip to Barcelona to face a relegation-threatened opponent.
Against Espanyol, though, all the problems that troubled Madrid in the early part of the season emerged once again. They lacked creativity and failed to break down a low defensive block, leaving too much space for their opponents to counter into on the break.
Not for the first time this season, Carlo Ancelotti is facing criticism for his set-up of the team with many pointing out that the frontline of Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham destabilises the rest of the side.
Leganés, on the other hand, have recently demonstrated their ability to upset the odds, beating Atlético Madrid and taking points off Athletic Club last month.
Under Borja Jiménez, Los Pepineros (the Cucumbers!) have become difficult to break down, conceding just two goals in their last three games, which could make them a tricky opponent for Real Madrid in the same way Espanyol were.
Key players
Goalkeeper Marko Dmitrović has been a standout performer for Leganés this season, recently keeping clean sheets against Atleti and Athletic. However, Real Madrid’s forward line will present the Serbian with his toughest test of the campaign to date.
Juan Cruz could pose the biggest goal threat for the hosts from his position as a left wing back. Out of possession, the 24-year-old is expected to sit back in a back five, but he has the freedom to get forward when there is the opportunity.
Ancelotti could make changes to his team after the defeat to Espanyol with many fans calling for Brahim Díaz to start. The Spanish international gives Real Madrid cohesion and work rate on the right side.
Vinícius and Rodrygo will almost certainly feature at some point, though. If they are firing on cylinders, as they had been before the weekend, Leganés will be blown away.
Team news
Enrique Francesca remains out for Leganes after suffering an ACL injury in November while Seydouba Cisse will also miss Wednesday’s meeting with the Spanish champions after picking up a hamstring strain against Rayo Vallecano last week.
Sergio González was shown a straight red card in the defeat to Rayo, but his suspension only applies to league games and so the centre back will be available.
Antonio Rüdiger’s injury will rule him out of action for the next three weeks. This means the German defender will miss this Copa del Rey quarter-final as well as the Madrid Derby and two Champions League matches against Manchester City. His absence couldn’t have come at a worse time for Los Blancos.
Éder Militão is still sidelined through injury while David Alaba has yet to play a full 90-minute match since his own return from injury last month. This could see Raul Asencio start in central defence against Leganés.
Andriy Lunin is expected to start in goal having started Real Madrid’s last two matches in the Copa del Rey. But Ancelotti has confirmed that Mbappé and Bellingham will be missing due to slight knocks picked up over the weekend.
Prediction
Leganés will look to continue their recent strong run of results against Spain’s biggest sides but should be undone by Madrid’s superior firepower on the day, just. We’re saying 1-0 to Real Madrid.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
You can follow every game from the Copa Del Rey with FotMob this season — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.