After the international break, Real Madrid will host Leganes at home on Saturday, aiming for a strong start. Los Blancos are currently three points behind Barcelona in the La Liga title race and need to secure a win to keep pace. Returning after the break can be challenging, especially with Real Madrid facing Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey on Tuesday.
Despite the break, news surrounding Real Madrid has been active. There have been reports linking Liverpool`s right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold to a free transfer at the end of the season, and rumors about Brazil`s interest in manager Carlo Ancelotti. Such speculation is common for a club of Real Madrid`s status, but maintaining focus on the upcoming match is crucial.
Leganes, currently in the relegation zone, is expected to be a comfortable win for Real Madrid. However, if Real Madrid takes time to score the first goal, Leganes might gain confidence and potentially 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
Previous Encounter
Real Madrid and Leganes have played twice recently, both at Estadio Municipal de Butarque. Real Madrid won both times, but their last meeting in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals in February was eventful. Real Madrid took a 2-0 lead with goals from Luka Modric and Endrick within 25 minutes, but Juan Cruz scored twice for Leganes to level the score by the 59th minute. Gonzalo Garcia scored a late goal in stoppage time to secure Real Madrid`s victory. Playing at the Santiago Bernabeu might change the dynamics, but Leganes has reasons to be confident despite their league position.
Real Madrid`s Perspective
Ancelotti has emphasized the importance of the La Liga race. While Real Madrid is not expected to give up on the title easily, the upcoming Clasico on May 11 could be decisive.
“La Liga is not over. Barcelona has an advantage, but we still have the Clasico and many games ahead. We must do our best, starting tomorrow,” Ancelotti stated. “There are 13 league games remaining, possibly 17 if we advance in other competitions. I hope that`s the case, as it would mean we are competing on all fronts until the end.”
Several injury concerns exist for Real Madrid, with Thibaut Courtois having a minor injury, and Dani Ceballos and Ferland Mendy ruled out. Players like Vinicius Junior, who played extensively during the international break, might also get some rest. Ancelotti also addressed the rumors linking him to 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 more to add,” Ancelotti said. “I have great respect for the Brazil national team, their players, and fans, but I am under contract with Real Madrid.”
Projected Lineups
Real Madrid: Andriy Lunin, Francisco Garcia, Antonio Rudiger, 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
Key Player Spotlight
Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid: Mbappe is always a player to watch. After a slightly slower start at Real Madrid, he now boasts 20 La Liga goals and an impressive 31 goals across all competitions. While his scoring rate might be slightly lower compared to his last season with 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 to make runs into the box. Leganes is expected to use a five-man defense, so Mbappe`s ability to perform in tight spaces will be crucial for Real Madrid`s success.
Key Match Storyline
Jude Bellingham`s Role: Last season, without a designated 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 times when Real Madrid could benefit from Bellingham being more aggressive in the box. Against Leganes, who are likely to defend deeply, Bellingham`s ability to unlock tight defenses as a deep-lying midfielder will be important.
Bellingham is versatile and can excel in various positions. If he can effectively combine his box penetration with defensive duties, Real Madrid will be a formidable team.
Match Prediction
Real Madrid is expected to start strongly, with Mbappe scoring in the first 15 minutes. As Leganes is forced to open up defensively, Real Madrid`s attack will continue. In a tight La Liga title race, Real Madrid needs to maximize goal difference. Prediction: Real Madrid 4, Leganes 0
