Real Madrid will face CD Leganes for the Copa del Rey quarterfinal at the Estadio Municipal de Butarque, seeking to get back to winning ways after their recent La Liga loss.
The match kicks off on February 5, 2025, at 20:00 GMT, with Carlo Ancelotti's men heading to the match after suffering a disappointing defeat to Espanyol, marking only their second loss of the season. Despite their recent struggles, Madrid aims to continue their pursuit of domestic silverware.
Leganes, fighting to stay afloat at the top flight, recently edged past Almeria to secure their spot at this stage of the tournament. Currently, they sit precariously close to the relegation zone with just two points separating them from danger.
Madrid's roster heading to the match presents some challenges for Ancelotti, who will be missing key players, including Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, and defenders like Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba due to injury. The situation puts pressure on players like Andriy Lunin, who will take charge as the first-choice goalkeeper, making his Copa del Rey debut this season.
Despite missing some stars, Madrid boasts significant attacking prowess with Endrick leading the line alongside Rodrygo Goes and Brahim Diaz. Midfield stalwarts Luka Modric and Aurélien Tchouaméni will anchor the team, demonstrating the depth of the squad even amid injury setbacks.
On the opposite side, Leganes will count on Munir El Haddadi, who has been pivotal with three goals throughout this Copa del Rey campaign, showcasing his capability to score against top sides.
Leganes manager Borja Jiménez acknowledged the challenge posed by facing Real Madrid but also expressed confidence, noting their past victories against giants like Barcelona this season. With Madrid's recent dip prompting questions about their current form, Leganes will aim to capitalize on any slip-ups.
Historically, Real Madrid leads the head-to-head with 10 wins from their last 15 meetings. Their last encounter ended with Madrid comfortably victorious at 3-0. Though Madrid remains favored to win on paper, the unpredictability of knockout tournaments adds intrigue to the clash.
Kick-off is set for Wednesday evening, and fans around the world can catch the action live via RTVE Spain or ESPN+ for viewers from the United States. High expectations surround Real Madrid as they look to reclaim their spot among the elite teams vying for this coveted trophy.
For this quarterfinal, Ancelotti has opted for tactical adjustments to rest several first-team players with important matches on the horizon, including league fixtures against Atletico Madrid and Manchester City. These selections result from the necessity of balancing squad fitness with their quest for cup success.
Leganes has struggled to find consistency throughout the La Liga season but did just enough to hold onto their top division status. With the stakes high, every position on the pitch will be contested fiercely as both teams aim for their goals.
Fans anticipate the action as both teams prepare to deliver their best performances under the floodlights.
The match promises bursts of excitement and high stakes,” as Real Madrid works to transition back to familiarity in the competition after their weekend lapse. With both managers confident and driven, it sets the stage for thrilling Copa del Rey action.