Real Madrid staged a thrilling comeback to defeat Leganés 3-2 at the Santiago Bernabéu on March 29, 2025. The victory not only secured three crucial points for Los Blancos but also brought them level on points with La Liga leaders FC Barcelona, who currently sit atop the table with 63 points.
The match was a rollercoaster of emotions for the home fans, who witnessed their team fall behind against a determined Leganés side struggling to avoid relegation. Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring for Real Madrid in the 32nd minute, converting a penalty after Arda Güler was fouled in the box by Óscar Rodríguez. However, the visitors responded quickly, with Diego García equalizing just a minute later, followed by Dani Raba putting Leganés ahead just before halftime.
As the second half commenced, Real Madrid came out with renewed vigor. Jude Bellingham, who has been a standout performer for the team this season, leveled the match in the 47th minute, tapping in a rebound after a chaotic sequence in the box. The English midfielder’s goal revitalized the home crowd, who had been left stunned by the first-half deficit.
But the real hero of the night was Mbappé, who scored the decisive goal in the 76th minute with a spectacular free kick that curled into the bottom right corner, sealing the victory for the home side. This marked Mbappé's 22nd goal in La Liga this season and his 33rd overall across all competitions, a testament to his incredible form.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti made significant changes to the lineup, opting to rest several key players, including Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo, who were left on the bench after their international commitments. The decision paid off, as the players who started, particularly Güler and Bellingham, stepped up to deliver a crucial win.
Despite the loss, Leganés showed great resilience and determination. They took the lead through Raba's well-placed shot, which was the result of a swift counterattack. The visitors, who sit 18th in the standings, desperately needed points to escape the relegation zone, and their performance against a top team like Real Madrid showcased their fighting spirit.
The match featured a total of five yellow cards, with notable cautions for Óscar Rodríguez and Renato Tapia from Leganés, as well as Raúl Asencio from Real Madrid. The physicality of the game increased as both teams fought hard for the crucial points.
As the game approached its conclusion, the fourth official announced eight minutes of added time, creating a tense atmosphere as Leganés pushed for an equalizer. However, Real Madrid's defense held firm, aided by a few crucial saves from goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, who was filling in for the injured Thibaut Courtois.
Looking ahead, Real Madrid's victory keeps them firmly in the title race, as they prepare for a crucial stretch of matches, including a Copa del Rey semifinal against Real Sociedad and a Champions League quarterfinal against Arsenal. Ancelotti's side will need to maintain their momentum as they aim for silverware on multiple fronts this season.
In summary, this match was a classic display of Real Madrid's fighting spirit and quality, with Mbappé and Bellingham leading the charge in a thrilling encounter that showcased the unpredictable nature of La Liga.
