Leganés stages thrilling comeback to draw against Real Madrid in Copa del Rey quarterfinal.
On February 5, 2024, at the Municipal Stadium of Butarque, the atmosphere was electric as Leganés faced off against Real Madrid in the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey. With both teams battling fiercely for the coveted spot in the semifinals, the stage was set for one of the most surprising comebacks of the tournament.
Real Madrid started strong, putting two goals on the board early. Luka Modric opened the scoring just 18 minutes in, courtesy of his toe-poke after receiving a slick assist from Rodrygo. The visitors doubled their advantage shortly after, with Endrick scoring at the 25-minute mark. The Madrid side seemed comfortably on course toward victory, leaving Leganés supporters anxious for their team's response.
But the tide began to shift when Juan Cruz, the tireless forward for Leganés, provoked a foul from Real Madrid's Jacobo Ramón. This moment, occurring just before the half-time whistle, resulted in Leganés being awarded a penalty at the 39th minute. Cruz himself stepped up to take the spot-kick, sending the ball confidently past Madrid's goalkeeper Andrii Lunin to bring Leganés back to 1-2. This goal reignited the hope and energy of the home crowd, which had been subdued just minutes earlier.
“Un tanto de penalti de Juan Cruz en el minuto 39 redujo distancias para el Leganés y le metió de lleno en el partido de cuartos de final contra el Real Madrid (1-2)...,” reported EFE, capturing the pivotal moment of the game.
When the second half commenced, the momentum had shifted palpably. At the 59-minute mark, Cruz struck again, this time leveling the score with another well-placed shot. His goal, which ricocheted off Ferland Mendy before eluding Lunin, equaled the game at 2-2, sending the home fans at Butarque wild with excitement.
One observer captured the moment perfectly, saying, “Al minuto 59, el delantero Juan Cruz logró la paridad para los locales.” The jubilation among Leganés players and supporters alike became undeniably palpable as they pressed for more against the once-dominant fixture of Spanish football.
From this point forward, the match became intensely competitive. Real Madrid, realizing the gravity of their situation, increased their efforts to reclaim the lead. They pushed hard, with Vinicius Jr. and Brahim Diaz launching impressive runs forward trying to break the deadlock. Vinicius showcased his energy and determination, creating multiple opportunities, but the Leganés defense held strong.
Despite the pressure exerted by the visitors, the defensive resolve showcased by Leganés was commendable, and goalkeeper Juan Soriano was instrumental. He made several key saves during the latter stages, ensuring the match remained level. The narrative shifted; Leganés was no longer merely defending against the giants of Real Madrid but were actively dreaming of a victory.
The coaching staff for Leganés, led by Borja Jiménez, were vocal on the sidelines, urging their team to maintain focus and capitalize on the newfound confidence. “El Leganés sorprendió al Real Madrid,” EFE noted, emphasizing the remarkable turnaround the team orchestrated during the quarterfinal clash.
With the intensity peaking, both teams had their chances. Real Madrid, intent on not being the first big casualty of the tournament, sought desperately for the decisive goal, yet they could not penetrate the layers of Leganés players positioned effectively to thwart their advances. Meanwhile, Leganés, seeing the merest hint of potential victory, countered whenever the opportunity arose.
While the match eventually concluded with the score held at 2-2, the competitive spirit displayed by both teams ensured the tie remained alive for the next fixture. For Leganés, the draw was monumental and provided momentum as they continued their Copa del Rey campaign. The match highlighted not just the resilience of the team but also the unpredictability of knockout football, where any underdog can create history on their day.
Despite the frustrations faced by Real Madrid, whose hopes of advancing took a significant hit, the lesson was clear. They have much to contend with, especially as they await their next opponents, and cannot afford to underestimate any team moving forward.
The spotlight now turn to the upcoming matches, but one thing is certain: Juan Cruz's double will be remembered as the day Leganés stood toe-to-toe with one of the biggest clubs in the world and emerged with their heads held high.