After the international break, Real Madrid returns home to face Leganes on Saturday. Trailing Barcelona by three points in La Liga, Real Madrid needs a victory to keep pace and avoid falling further behind. The team also has a Copa del Rey match against Real Sociedad on Tuesday, adding to the week`s challenges.
Despite the break, Real Madrid has been in the news with rumors linking Liverpool`s Trent Alexander-Arnold to a free transfer and Brazil reportedly considering Carlo Ancelotti for their national team manager position. While such speculation is common for a club of Real Madrid`s stature, maintaining focus on the upcoming match is crucial.
Leganes is currently in the relegation zone, making this a game Real Madrid is heavily favored to win. However, if Leganes can keep the score close early, they might gain the confidence to cause an upset.
Match Details
- Date: Saturday, March 29
- Location: Estadio Santiago Bernabeau, Madrid, Spain
- Live stream: ESPN+
- Odds: Real Madrid -800; Draw +750; Leganes +1800
Last Meeting
Real Madrid has played Leganes twice recently, both at Estadio Municipal de Butarque. Real Madrid won both times, but their Copa del Rey quarterfinal match in February was particularly eventful. Real Madrid took a 2-0 lead with goals from Luka Modric and Endrick within the first 25 minutes, but Juan Cruz scored twice for Leganes to equalize by the 59th minute. Gonzalo Garcia eventually scored a stoppage-time goal to secure a Real Madrid victory. Playing at the Santiago Bernabeu might change the dynamic, but Leganes can still draw confidence from their recent performance against Real Madrid.
Real Madrid`s Perspective
Ancelotti has emphasized the importance of the La Liga race. While Real Madrid is not expected to concede the title race yet, the upcoming Clasico on May 11 is anticipated to be a decisive match.
“La Liga is not over. Barcelona is ahead, but we still have the Clasico and many games left. We must do everything we can, starting tomorrow,” Ancelotti stated. “There are 13 league games remaining, potentially 17 if we advance in other competitions. I hope that’s the case because it would mean we are competing on all fronts until the end.”
Real Madrid has some injury concerns with Thibaut Courtois questionable, and Dani Ceballos and Ferland Mendy ruled out. Players like Vinicius Junior, who played significant minutes during the international break, might also be rested. Ancelotti also addressed rumors about the Brazil national team, denying any contact from the Brazilian FA.
“I don`t recall speaking with Ronaldo about this. My contract is clear, and I have nothing further to say,” Ancelotti commented. “I have great respect for the Brazil National Team, their players, and fans, but I am under contract with Real Madrid.”
Predicted Lineups
Real Madrid: Andriy Lunin, Francisco Garcia, Antonio Rugiger, Raul Asencio, Lucas Vazquez, Jude Bellingham, Aurelien Tchouameni, Fede Valverde, Rodrygo, Kylian Mbappe, Vini Jr.
Leganes: Marko Dmitrovic, Juan Cruz, Javier Hernandez, Matija Nastasic, Sergio Gonzalez, Valentin Rosier, Seydouba Cisse, Renato Tapia, Darko Brasanac, Diego Garcia, Daniel Raba
Player to Watch
Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid: Mbappe is always a key player to watch. After a relatively slow start at Real Madrid, he has now scored 20 La Liga goals and an impressive 31 goals across all competitions. While his scoring pace might be slightly less than his last season at Paris Saint-Germain, Mbappe has achieved 30 or more goals in all competitions for seven consecutive seasons, a remarkable achievement.
Mbappe has become central to Real Madrid`s attack, and his goals are flowing. His presence also creates space for other players. Against Leganes` expected five-defender formation, Mbappe`s ability to perform in tight spaces will be crucial for Real Madrid`s offensive success.
Storyline to Watch
Jude Bellingham`s Role: Last season, without a clear striker, Bellingham played more as a number 10, scoring 19 goals and contending for the La Liga Golden Boot. While Mbappe`s arrival has changed his role, there are still times when Real Madrid needs Bellingham`s attacking presence in the box. Against Leganes, who are likely to defend deeply, Bellingham`s ability to penetrate a compact defense from midfield could be key to unlocking their low block.
Bellingham`s versatility allows him to excel in various roles. If he can effectively balance his attacking runs into the box with his defensive duties, Real Madrid will be incredibly difficult to defeat.
Prediction
Real Madrid is expected to start strong with an early goal from Mbappe within the first 15 minutes. As Leganes is forced to become more open defensively, Real Madrid`s attack will continue to dominate. In a tight La Liga title race, Real Madrid needs to maximize their goal difference. Prediction: Real Madrid 4, Leganes 0
Adrian Whitmore 
Benedict Kingsley