Real Madrid will host Leganes this Saturday in a La Liga match at home after the international break. Trailing Barcelona by three points in the league standings, Real Madrid needs a win to keep pace in the title race. The team also has a Copa del Rey match against Real Sociedad coming up on Tuesday, adding to the schedule pressure.
Despite the break, Real Madrid has been in the news with rumors linking Liverpool`s Trent Alexander-Arnold for a potential free transfer and Brazil reportedly considering Carlo Ancelotti as their national team manager. While such speculation is common for a club of Real Madrid`s profile, maintaining focus on the upcoming game is crucial.
Leganes is currently in the relegation zone, making Real Madrid the clear favorite. However, if Real Madrid struggles to score early, Leganes might gain confidence and create a surprise.
Match Details
- Date: Saturday, March 29
- Location: Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain
- Live stream: ESPN+
- Odds: Real Madrid -800; Draw +750; Leganes +1800
Previous Meeting
Real Madrid and Leganes have played twice recently, both at Estadio Municipal de Butarque. Real Madrid won both times, but their last meeting in the Copa del Rey quarterfinal in February was eventful. Real Madrid took a 2-0 lead with goals from Luka Modric and Endrick, but Juan Cruz scored twice for Leganes to equalize. Gonzalo Garcia scored a late goal to secure a Real Madrid victory. Playing at the Santiago Bernabeu could change the dynamic, but Leganes might still feel confident despite their league position.
Real Madrid`s Perspective
Ancelotti has emphasized the importance of the La Liga race. While Real Madrid is expected to compete for the title until the end, the upcoming Clasico against Barcelona on May 11 could be decisive.
“La Liga is not over. Barcelona has the advantage, but we still have the Clasico and many games to play. We must do everything we can, starting tomorrow,” Ancelotti stated. “There are 13 league games left, potentially 17 if we advance in other competitions. I hope that`s the case because it would mean we are competing on all fronts until the very end.”
Injury concerns include Thibaut Courtois, while Dani Ceballos and Ferland Mendy are unavailable for this match. Players like Vinicius Junior, who played extensively during the international break, may get extra rest. Ancelotti also addressed rumors about coaching Brazil, denying any contact from the Brazilian FA.
“I don`t recall speaking with Ronaldo about this. My contract is clear, and I have nothing more to add,” Ancelotti commented. “I have great respect for the Brazil national team, their players, and fans, but I am under contract with Real Madrid.”
Projected Starting Lineups
Real Madrid: Andriy Lunin, Francisco Garcia, Antonio Rudiger, Raul Asencio, Lucas Vazquez, Jude Bellingham, Aurelien Tchouameni, Fede Valverde, Rodrygo, Kylian Mbappe, Vini Jr.
Leganes: Marko Dmitrovic, Juan Cruz, Javier Hernandez, Matija Nastasic, Sergio Gonzalez, Valentin Rosier, Seydouba Cisse, Renato Tapia, Darko Brasanac, Diego Garcia, Daniel Raba
Key Player to Watch
Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid: Mbappe is always a player to watch. After a relatively slow start at Real Madrid, he now has 20 La Liga goals and 31 goals across all competitions. While his scoring pace may be slightly less than his last season at Paris Saint-Germain, Mbappe has achieved 30 or more goals in all competitions for seven consecutive seasons, a remarkable achievement.
Mbappe has become central to Real Madrid`s attack, creating opportunities for himself and teammates. Against Leganes` expected five-defender setup, his ability to perform in tight spaces will be crucial.
Key Storyline
Jude Bellingham`s Role: Last season, without a clear striker, Bellingham played as a number 10, scoring 19 goals and competing for the Golden Boot in La Liga. With Mbappe now in the team, Bellingham`s role has shifted. However, his attacking presence in the box could still be valuable, especially against a defensively oriented Leganes. His ability to make runs into the box from midfield could be key to breaking down a deep defensive block.
Bellingham`s versatility allows him to excel in multiple roles. If he can effectively combine his attacking and defensive contributions, Real Madrid will be very difficult to defeat.
Match Prediction
Real Madrid is expected to start strong with an early goal from Mbappe within the first 15 minutes. As Leganes needs to open up their play, Real Madrid will likely extend their lead. In a tight La Liga title race, goal difference could be important, motivating Real Madrid to score as many goals as possible. Prediction: Real Madrid 4, Leganes 0
