Real Madrid will take on CD Leganés this evening, February 5, 2025, at 21:00 CET, for the highly anticipated quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey at the Estadio Municipal de Butarque. This match promises to deliver electrifying football as both teams vie for the chance to progress to the semi-finals of this prestigious tournament.
Managed by Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid, one of the most storied teams in football history, faces significant pressure after their recent defeat to Espanyol, which raised questions about their form heading onto this knockout match. This Copa del Rey challenge arrives with multiple injuries to key players like Antonio Rüdiger, Dani Carvajal, and Éder Militão, forcing Ancelotti to devise a strategy utilizing both experienced and young players to withstand Leganés’s challenge.
The pepineros, led by coach Borja Jiménez, are relishing the prospect of pulling off yet another upset against their more illustrious rivals, having previously eliminated Real Madrid back during the 2017-18 Copa del Rey campaign. The appreciation of the occasion is apparent, as Jiménez stated, “For us, there is no pressure; we are in the quarter-finals of the Cup and there is excitement,” indicating the enthusiasm and determination of his squad.
Leganés, currently fighting to steer clear from relegation threats within LaLiga, finds the cup competition as not only a chance for silverware but also to revive confidence for their league pursuits. Having eliminated teams like Almería and Estepona on their route to these quarter-finals, they’re eager to demonstrate their ability against the giants of Madrid once again.
Tonight's match is unique, as it is organized as single elimination, adding to the tension and anticipation among fans. Both clubs have histories filled with notable matches, with Real Madrid winning 11 of their last 15 encounters, yet Leganés has managed to surprise them on two occasions, both during Copa del Rey fixtures.
With approximately 12,450 seats at Butarque filled to capacity, the atmosphere tonight is bound to be electric as Leganés fans rally behind their team. The locals are confident resting on their solid defensive strategies paired with timely offensive strikes, hoping again to frustrate their opponents.
Leading up to the match, Real Madrid has faced scrutiny over their performances and decisions, with club officials even sending strong sentiments to the league about officiants' biases, encapsulating the frustration stemming from recent matches and emphasizing the need for clarity within the refereeing system. Ancelotti, vocal on the subject, noted the challenges posed by injuries and referred to the recruitment of younger players, such as Brahim Diaz and Arda Güler, to fill the gap left by those sidelined.
Kickoff fast approaches as fans on all sides anticipate what could be another chapter added to this thriving football rivalry. Whether Leganés can repeat their feat of upending the mighty Madrid or if the visitors will assert their superiority remains to be seen. The match will be broadcast live on Movistar Plus+, with additional coverage available through various sports news outlets online, ensuring fans will not miss this thrilling showdown.
Each team’s ambition is palpable: to move one step closer to the Cup trophy and solidify their legacies within Spanish football. Real Madrid is eager to demonstrate resilience, having lifted the Copa del Rey trophy as recently as 2023, whereas Leganés aims for their first semi-final showing since their last successful Copa run.