Real Madrid resume their La Liga campaign on Sunday evening with a trip to face 14th-placed Leganes, aiming to build on their dominant 4-0 win over Osasuna.
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While Los Blancos are still chasing leaders Barcelona, Leganes will hope to make history by claiming their first-ever La Liga victory over the Spanish and European champions.
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Leganes Aim to Create History
Leganes have only defeated Real Madrid twice in their history—both times in the Copa del Rey. However, they’ve managed to hold the mighty Los Blancos to draws in their last two La Liga meetings at Estadio Municipal de Butarque
including a 2-2 result in their last encounter in July 2020. Now, fresh off a 1-0 win over Sevilla, Leganes will look to achieve something special in front of their home crowd.
As the reigning Segunda Division champions, Borja Jimenez’s side has had a steady return to the top flight, with three wins, five draws, and five losses from 13 matches.
While their position in 14th place isn’t disastrous, they’re just four points ahead of the relegation zone, and every point counts.
Leganes have also been impressive at home this season, collecting 10 points from six matches while conceding just four goals—statistics that may give them confidence against an injury-stricken Real Madrid side.
Real Madrid Looking to Build Momentum
Real Madrid will be hoping to continue their impressive form after dispatching Osasuna 4-0 before the international break.
Vinicius Junior’s hat-trick and Jude Bellingham’s first goal of the season helped Carlo Ancelotti’s side bounce back from consecutive losses to Barcelona and AC Milan.
Currently sitting second in La Liga with 27 points, six points behind leaders Barcelona, Real Madrid are still in a strong position despite early-season struggles.
A victory at Leganes would bring them one step closer to narrowing the gap with the Catalan giants, while the pressure mounts for the upcoming Champions League clash against Liverpool next week.
Team News
Leganes’ Injury Woes
Leganes will be without Renato Tapia and Enric Franquesa, both sidelined due to injury. The absence of these key players will likely force at least two changes to the starting lineup.
Javi Hernandez is expected to replace Franquesa at left-back, while Julian Chicco is likely to come in for Tapia in midfield. Miguel de la Fuente, who netted the decisive penalty against Sevilla, will once again lead the line for Leganes, with Sebastien Haller a potential substitute.
Real Madrid’s Key Absences
Real Madrid’s injury list is significant, with Lucas Vazquez, Rodrygo, Eder Militao, Aurelien Tchouameni, Dani Carvajal, and David Alaba all unavailable. However, Thibaut Courtois should return to the starting XI after recovering from a muscular injury.
Federico Valverde is expected to play as right-back, while Raul Asencio, who made his debut against Osasuna, could be included in the center of defense alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Brahim Diaz and Luka Modric are also in contention for a starting spot, though Bellingham, Vinicius, and Kylian Mbappe are all fit and ready to feature in the attacking lineup.
Predicted Lineups
Leganes (4-3-3):
Dmitrovic; Alti, Gonzalez, Nastasic, Hernandez; Chicco, Cisse; Cruz, Brasanac, El Haddadi; De la Fuente.
Real Madrid (4-3-3):
Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Rudiger, Mendy; Modric, Camavinga, Bellingham; Diaz, Mbappe, Vinicius.
Prediction
Despite a resilient home record and recent wins, Leganes will face a tough challenge against an experienced and talent-laden Real Madrid team. While Leganes will no doubt put up a fight, Real Madrid’s superior quality, particularly in attack with Bellingham, Vinicius, and Mbappe, should be too much for them to handle. Even with their injury troubles, Los Blancos are expected to secure all three points on Sunday.
Prediction: Leganes 1-3 Real Madrid.
