Real Madrid – Leganes
Real Madrid are eager for the next challenge at the Bernabéu, where the clash against CD Leganés, who are threatened by relegation, promises to be quite explosive. The Whites, on 60 points, are within striking distance of the top of the table and could increase the pressure on leaders Barcelona. For Leganés, currently in 18th place and in urgent need of points, the situation is much more precarious. Borja Jiménez’s team had a great chance to escape the relegation zone after their recent 3-2 defeat to Real Betis. Statistically, Real have the upper hand, having not been beaten in their last five meetings with the visitors, including a convincing 3-0 league win and a 3-2 cup victory. Ancelotti’s team underlined their form with a 2-1 win over Villarreal, in which Mbappé scored twice. Leganés, on the other hand, threw away a 2-0 lead against Betis and came away empty-handed. It will be interesting to see whether Ancelotti gives Courtois a break and has Lunin take his place in goal.
Real Madrid – Leganes Info
- Stadium: Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid
- Date and Time: 03/29/2025, 9:00 p.m.
- Competition: La Liga (Regular Season – 29)
Real Madrid Form & Record Check
Real Madrid are currently in mostly good form, even though two defeats in their last five games show that there are weaknesses. Nevertheless, the mental feat in the penalty shoot-out against Atlético in the Champions League illustrates the resilience of the royal family. In the league, Real are in second place, just three points behind Barcelona, and the recent 2-1 win over Villarreal – in which Mbappé scored two goals – demonstrates their offensive power. Their focus on scoring goals before half-time is striking: in 80% of their last matches, Real scored at least one goal in the first half, while strikingly few goals have been scored after the break. There is also room for improvement defensively, as the team has conceded goals in all five of their last five matches. Mbappé remains the key attacking factor, while Bellingham provides precision in midfield, but has not been able to reach his absolute top form recently. The internal debate about the goalkeeper’s commitment is reflected in the fact that Lunin will probably be used more in the cup.
Carlo Ancelotti is likely to revert to Real Madrid’s trusted 4-3-3 formation, even with Carvajal and Militão, two defensive pillars, out for longer. Mendy is also missing, meaning the coach will have to improvise on the wing positions. Vázquez is likely to start on the right side of defense, while Alaba and Asensio could form the center-back duo. In midfield, the trio of Bellingham, Camavinga and Valverde is likely. Up front, the trio of Vinícius, Mbappé and Rodrygo is set. After his recent complaints, Courtois is likely to be between the posts again, while Lunin is planned for the cup games. It remains to be seen whether Modrić will once again only come off the bench or be allowed to play from the start again.
Leganes Form & Record Check
Leganés, 18th in the table, are in the relegation battle and have only managed to collect four points in their last five games. The most recent 3-2 home defeat to Real Betis was particularly painful, after the team had already led 2-0 but then completely lost control. The 3-0 loss at Real Sociedad also revealed the difficulties against teams from the top third of the table. Although Leganés have scored a few goals recently – for example in the 3-3 draw against Alavés – defensive problems and a lack of consistency are preventing them from breaking through. In addition, the future of important players such as Dani Raba, Sergio González and Darko Brasanac is uncertain as their contracts expire in the summer. The situation remains precarious, especially since Las Palmas, in 19th place, are only two points behind.
Leganés are likely to play a compact 4-5-1 at the Bernabéu against Real Madrid. Coach Jiménez’s main aim with this formation is to stabilize the defense. With Franquesa and Barisic out for the long term with cruciate ligament injuries, the goal could once again be in the hands of Dmitrović, while the back four will likely comprise Rosier, González, Nastasić and Hernández. González, whose contract expires in the summer, is a particular focus. In midfield, Tapia will be the ball-winner in the centre, supported by Cissé and Brasanac, who also face an uncertain future. Cruz and Rodríguez are likely to occupy the offensive wings, while de la Fuente will act as the only striker.
Real Madrid – Leganes direct comparison & statistics
The most recent direct duels clearly indicate Real Madrid’s dominance: The Whites have not been beaten in their last five meetings, recording three wins and two draws. Real’s offensive prowess is particularly striking, having scored in each of these games. In February, the Madrilenians won 3-2 away from home in the cup, having already celebrated a 3-0 win at Leganés in November 2024. Older games like the 2-2 in 2020 or the 5-0 and 1-1 in 2019 show that Leganés can compete in phases, but the statistics speak for themselves overall. Leganés never managed a second half without conceding a goal, because Real usually score after the break.
