Shaken by an unexpected defeat to Espanyol Barcelona in La Liga (0-1), Real Madrid need to respond. This Copa del Rey quarter-final against Leganés comes at just the right time to get back on track and reassure a squad in search of certainty. A place in the final would not only erase the frustration of the last defeat, but also provide a positive momentum ahead of the forthcoming fixtures. Here are all the details and the likely line-ups.
On paper, there’s no contest. Real Madrid, armed with a squad built to dominate, take on a Leganés side fighting to stay in La Liga. Currently 16th in the league, the club from the Madrid suburbs are clearly not playing in the same league. But the Copa del Rey has already proved that surprises do happen, and Borja Jiménez’s men will be giving everything they’ve got to pull off an upset, especially in front of their home crowd, as Espanyol did last Saturday.
Where and when can you see the match?
📍 City: Leganés
🏟️ Stadium: Estadio Municipal Butarque (12,454 seats)
📅 Date: Wednesday 5 February
⏰ Time: 21:00 (French time)
📺 Broadcast: La Chaîne L’Équipe in France, New World TV in Africa.
While La Liga remains the priority, the King’s Cup represents a great opportunity for Real Madrid. With a busy schedule and fierce competition in the league, lifting this trophy would be a way of consolidating the season and sending out a strong message. A slip-up, on the other hand, could put Carlo Ancelotti under pressure and further undermine the balance of the squad.
On paper, Real Madrid have everything they need to win the game. But beware of complacency. The history of football is full of examples of favourites being taken by surprise by more modest but over-motivated teams. Ancelotti will have to make the right choices and avoid experimenting too much with his starting eleven, otherwise there could be unpleasant surprises. This quarter-final could well prove to be a turning point in the Merengues’ season. A clear-cut victory would allow them to move forward, while elimination would leave a stain and fuel doubts. Find out on Wednesday at 9pm.
Likely line-ups for Leganés – Real Madrid
Leganés may be in a modest 16th place in La Liga, but the Madrid giants have proved they know how to topple the big boys. A fortnight ago, Borja Jiménez’s men beat Atlético Madrid 1-0 at their Butarque stadium. Having qualified for the quarter-finals after a 3-2 win over Almeria, they will be keen to make sure of their place against a Real Madrid side that could well turn the tie around.
Real Madrid will have to cope without Antonio Rüdiger, who is injured for three weeks. His absence will force Carlo Ancelotti to revise his defensive plan. Aurélien Tchouaméni could line up in central defence alongside David Alaba, while Ferland Mendy and Lucas Vázquez would occupy the flanks. In goal, Lunin should start. Ancelotti may yet surprise with Ferland Mendy in central defence.
With the derby against Atlético just around the corner, Carlo Ancelotti is likely to give some of his key players a break. Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé could be left on the bench, even missing training on Monday, leaving an attacking trio of Vinícius – Rodrygo – Brahim Díaz. In midfield, Luka Modrić is expected to return to the starting line-up alongside Federico Valverde and Dani Ceballos.
Real Madrid probable XI: Lunin – Vázquez, Alaba, Tchouaméni, Mendy – Ceballos, Valverde, Modrić – Vinícius, Rodrygo, Brahim Díaz.
Leganés probable XI: Dmitrovic – Altimira, S. Gonzalez, Rosier, Nastasić, Cruz – Cissé, Neyou – Raba, Rodriguez, El Haddadi.
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