Real Madrid faces Leganés in a crucial Copa del Rey quarterfinal. The mission of the “Galacticos” to qualify for the semi-finals of the King’s Cup is not an easy one, because it faces a team that defeated Barcelona and Atletico Madrid this season in La Liga.

Previous H2H in Copa del Rey

Real Madrid vs leganes Timeline in Copa del Rey

The Pepineros’ biggest achievement in the Copa del Rey was reaching the semi-finals in the 2017–18 season. In that tournament, the Blues sensationally knocked out Real Madrid in the quarter-finals on away goals, losing 0-1 at home but winning 2-1 away. 

In the following two seasons, Leganes reached the round of 16, being eliminated first by the same Real Madrid and then by Barcelona, followed by a relegation to La Liga 2, where their cup success was limited to the maximum of the third round.

Now the Pepineros have once again reached the quarter-finals for the second time in their history and face a giant of the capital again, but this time they will have only one match to replicate their previous historic achievement.

In the 2022-2023 season, Blancos won the Copa del Rey for the first time in nine years, beating Osasuna 2-1 in the final. Between winning this trophy, Madrid managed to get past the quarter-finals just once (in the 2018-19 season) but were knocked out by Barcelona, who eventually lost the final to Valencia.

Last season, Carlo Ancelotti’s side failed to defend their title – in the round of 16, they faced Atletico, who beat their neighbors 4-2 in extra time in the derby.

Missing players and injuries

After 9 months on the sidelines, David Alaba returned on January 19, but now he injured himself again, in Real’s last training session.

In the last championship game, the German defender Antonio Rudiger was injured and will miss about 20 days. Another defender absent for Real Madrid is Eder Militao , who suffered a serious injury and will not be able to play until August.

In Butarque, neither Jude Bellingham nor Kylian Mbappé will be available. Both absences were announced by Ancelotti himself at the press conference due to bruising, although both are expected to be fit for the derby against Atletico Madrid.

Another notable absentee for Real Madrid against Leganes is Thibaut Courtois. As usual, the Belgian goalkeeper has been left out of the squad due to rest in the Copa del Rey.

Jacobo Ramòn from the academy is expected to play a few minutes against Leganés tomorrow. If he passes the test, he will supposedly be Asencio’s CB partner against Atlético Madrid.

Espanyol controversy

In the  recent LaLiga match between Real Madrid and Espanyol, several controversial incidents involving the referee have sparked significant debate. Real Madrid lodged a formal complaint with the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), alleging corruption and discrediting the Spanish officiating system.

The club is particularly concerned about a forceful tackle on Kylian Mbappé that was only sanctioned with a yellow card, questioning the VAR’s decision not to review the incident

Head coach Carlo Ancelotti supported the club’s stance, emphasizing the need for explanations to protect player integrity. He suggested that widespread dissatisfaction with officiating could be an opportunity for reform in Spanish footbal.

Highlighted players

For the home team, the highlighted player is Juan Cruz with a rating of 7.01 in the last 12 months. The Pepineros’ attacker is a serious threat for Real Madrid with 5 goal contributions this season.

On the other side , Rodrygo sits at the top with 11 goal contributions and has a high chance to score again tonight.

Where to watch Leganes vs Real Madrid

Real Madrid vs Leganes Prediction

Real Madrid has defensive problems, but the offense remains strong, even without Mbappe. This is a game where the second line players have a chance to shine and they will not miss it.

Leganes has a modest attack and failed to score in the championship, when Real clearly dominated and scored three times. I’m going with the same scenario, with a dominant Madrid coming off a defeat and looking to avoid a second one.

4 Reasons why Real Madrid is expected to Win

1. Leganes have suffered defeat in four of their last five home matches.
2. Leganes have gone scoreless in back-to-back matches against Athletic Bilbao and Rayo Vallecano.
3. Real Madrid have scored 3+ goals in six of their last eight away matches.
4. In the first meeting of this season, Real Madrid demolished Leganes 3-0.