Real Madrid managed to overcome Leganes with a 3-2 victory on Saturday, in a game where they rested key players with the Copa Del Rey in mind. Although Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring with a penalty, Leganes, fighting to avoid relegation, responded strongly and took the lead by halftime, exposing weaknesses in Real Madrid`s defense.
However, Real Madrid started the second half with renewed energy. Jude Bellingham quickly equalized, and the introduction of Vinicius Junior and Fede Valverde further boosted their attack. Mbappe then sealed the win with his second goal, capitalizing on a clever set-piece play.
This victory puts Real Madrid level on points with Barcelona at the top of La Liga. Barcelona, however, have a game in hand against Girona. For Real Madrid, focusing on their own performance is crucial. The La Liga title race remains tight, and the El Clásico match in May could be decisive. This game against Leganes, while tougher than anticipated, offered valuable lessons for Los Blancos.
Jude Bellingham`s Decisive Play
Bellingham`s equalizing goal showcased his determination. Within moments of the second half kickoff, he followed up his own saved shot and a blocked attempt from Brahim Diaz. When the ball rebounded to him, Bellingham made no mistake. This was his seventh La Liga goal of the season, adding to his six assists. Importantly, the goal came from a well-timed run into the penalty area.
Bellingham frequently made these kinds of runs last season when Real Madrid lacked a natural striker. However, with Mbappe`s arrival, this aspect of his game has been less prominent. In the second half against Leganes, Bellingham effectively played as a second forward, taking multiple shots and maintaining his passing accuracy while contributing to the team`s attacking efforts alongside Mbappe.
Kylian Mbappe`s Double
While Mbappe might have aimed for better efficiency with his nine shots, his two goals, including the winning goal, were crucial for Real Madrid. His brace brought his La Liga goal tally to 22, equaling Robert Lewandowski in the Golden Boot race. The team is actively ensuring Mbappe receives the ball frequently and in dangerous positions.
He is increasingly receiving the ball at his feet and on counter-attacks, proving highly effective. As Real Madrid competes for multiple titles this season, Mbappe`s goals will be vital. Despite a challenging start to his Madrid career, Mbappe is now clearly meeting expectations and transforming Real Madrid into a formidable force at a critical point in the season.
Concerns About Squad Depth
Despite the victory, several Real Madrid players underperformed. Brahim Diaz`s turnover led to a Leganes goal, and Fran Garcia and Raul Asencio struggled defensively. The match became more difficult than it needed to be, a point Carlo Ancelotti will surely address. Having just returned from an international break and with players rested, some rustiness is understandable. However, with a busy schedule of three games in seven days, the team`s depth will be tested again. Upcoming Champions League quarter-finals against Arsenal, along with La Liga matches against Valencia and Alaves (teams similar to Leganes), will require improved performances from the entire squad. While Real Madrid has shown resilience, they need to elevate their overall play to seriously challenge Barcelona for the La Liga title.
Looking Ahead
Real Madrid faces a packed schedule, including the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals on Tuesday, April 1st. With a 1-0 advantage and the home leg to play, Real Madrid will be confident going into that match. The Champions League tie against Arsenal is also on the horizon. Leganes, meanwhile, must quickly recover from this narrow defeat in their fight against relegation and prepare for their next match against Osasuna on April 7th.
