Real Madrid is gearing up for what promises to be an exciting match against Leganés in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals this Wednesday at 21:00 hours at Butarque Stadium. The anticipation is palpable for both teams as they prepare for this significant encounter.
This match marks the second meeting between the two clubs this season. Previously, Madrid achieved a commanding 3-0 victory at Butarque during their league clash. Now, the stakes are higher, with Leganés eager to make their mark against the champions.
Leganés enters the match confident, having eliminated two of the top teams, Barcelona and Atlético Madrid, earlier this season. Even though they have fallen victim to Madrid's dominance during previous cup encounters, fans are holding onto hope inspired by the "Pepinazo" moment—a memorable comeback where Leganés stunned Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Despite the historical challenges, Leganés is clinging to the Cup as their lifeline, hoping it brings them relevance and perhaps salvation from their current league struggles. Facing relegation, the team is determined to push through against the odds.
On the other side, Real Madrid arrives with mixed feelings, still reeling from their recent loss to Espanyol, which was magnified by controversial refereeing decisions. This defeat has shaken the team's morale, as they strive to maintain their lead at the top of the table.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti faces significant challenges with seven key players set to miss the game due to injuries, including Carvajal, Militao, Rüdiger, Alaba, and Camavinga. To cope, he's called up eight players from the youth academy, showing confidence in the upcoming talent.
The probable line-up for Leganés includes goalkeeper Juan Soriano and defenders Altimira, Rosier, Sergio González, and Nastasic, with Tapia anchoring the midfield, and Juan Cruz, Dani Raba, along with Miguel de la Fuente spearheading the attack. Meanwhile, Madrid’s anticipated lineup features Lunin as goalkeeper, flanked by Lucas Vázquez and Tchouaméni, with veterans like Ceballos and Modric infusing experience.
Kickoff is set for 21:00 hours local time, and fans can watch the match live on Movistar LaLiga, with additional commentary available on Radio MARCA and MARCA.com.
The match will not just be significant for the teams on the field; it also carries the potential to affect the morale and spirit of the fans. With Madrid fighting to overcome recent hurdles and Leganés aiming to reverse their fortunes, the excitement surrounding this Copa del Rey fixture is undeniable.
Both clubs understand the weight of the expected outcome: advancing to the semi-finals could change the course of the season for either team—Real Madrid aiming for silverware to steady the ship, and Leganés seeking redemption and escape from relegation struggles.
With both squads expected to play their hearts out, fans are preparing for what should be a memorable clash. Each side carries its hopes and aspirations onto the pitch, reflecting the contrasting challenges they each face as the Copa del Rey progresses.