Real Madrid and CD Leganés faced off in a crucial LaLiga EA Sports match on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. With both teams having significant stakes in this encounter, the atmosphere was electric as fans eagerly awaited the kickoff at 21:00 hours.
For Real Madrid, the match was vital in their pursuit of the LaLiga title. Currently sitting in second place with 60 points, the team needed a win to keep pace with arch-rivals FC Barcelona, who were three points ahead after their victory over Osasuna just days prior. Carlo Ancelotti's squad arrived at the Bernabéu bolstered by their recent success in the UEFA Champions League, where they advanced to the quarter-finals after a nail-biting penalty shootout victory against Atlético Madrid.
Real Madrid entered the match with a strong home record, having only dropped five points at the Bernabéu throughout the season, with losses to FC Barcelona and a draw against Atlético Madrid. The team was determined to maintain this impressive form in front of their home crowd. However, they were missing key players: goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, along with defenders Éder Militão, Dani Carvajal, and Ferland Mendy, were all sidelined due to injuries. Ancelotti was forced to make adjustments to his lineup, opting for a 4-2-3-1 formation with Courtois replaced by backup goalkeeper Andriy Lunin.
On the other hand, Leganés came into the match struggling, sitting in 18th place in the relegation zone with only 27 points. The team had suffered a disappointing 2-3 defeat against Real Betis in their last outing, which heightened the urgency for them to secure points against the formidable Madrid side. Coach Borja Jiménez expressed the need for his team to be defensively solid, especially considering their previous encounter with Real Madrid, where they were soundly beaten 0-3 at Butarque earlier in the season.
As the match kicked off, Leganés aimed to adopt a defensive approach, hoping to capitalize on any counter-attacking opportunities. However, the first half saw Real Madrid dominate possession and create several chances. The breakthrough came in the 34th minute when a controversial penalty was awarded to Madrid after a foul by Óscar Rodríguez on Arda Güler. Despite protests from the Leganés players and coaching staff, referee González Fuertes pointed to the spot, allowing Real Madrid to take the lead.
Following the penalty, Leganés continued to fight back, with Diego García coming close to leveling the score. A potential penalty shout arose when García was brought down by Jude Bellingham in the box, but the referee waved play on, much to the dismay of Leganés supporters. As the first half drew to a close, Real Madrid held a narrow 1-0 advantage.
The second half saw Leganés increase their attacking intent, pushing forward in search of an equalizer. However, Real Madrid's defense, despite missing several starters, managed to hold firm. The match took a decisive turn when Rodrygo, who had been a constant threat throughout the game, was fouled leading to another penalty for Madrid. The resulting goal extended their lead to 2-0, leaving Leganés in a precarious position.
Leganés refused to give up, and their efforts paid off when they scored a crucial goal, narrowing the deficit to 2-1. The atmosphere in the stadium intensified as the visitors pressed for an equalizer, but Real Madrid's experience shone through as they managed to regain control of the match.
The final moments of the game were filled with tension as Leganés pushed for an equalizer, but they were met with a resilient Madrid defense. Ultimately, the match ended with Real Madrid securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory, crucial for their title aspirations.
Post-match, Leganés expressed their frustration with the officiating, particularly regarding the controversial penalty decisions. Coach Borja Jiménez voiced his displeasure, stating, "We are annoyed by the controversial actions in the defeat against Real Madrid. We had earned enough merit not to lose today. The players are very upset with the circumstances." The club took to social media to express their grievances, tweeting, "And on top of that today, they steal an hour from us too... We keep fighting, pepineros."
Real Madrid's victory allowed them to stay within striking distance of Barcelona as the season approaches its final stretch. With a busy April ahead, featuring five LaLiga matches and crucial cup ties, every point will be vital for Ancelotti's side as they aim to reclaim the LaLiga title. They will play at home again in their next match against Valencia, where they will look to build on this momentum.
As the league continues to unfold, the battle against relegation also intensifies for Leganés, who will need to regroup quickly to ensure they stay competitive in the upcoming fixtures. With their next match looming, the team must channel their frustrations into performances that can secure vital points in their fight against relegation.
This match was more than just three points; it showcased the resilience of Real Madrid and the fighting spirit of Leganés, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the LaLiga season.
