AFCON 2025
In a thrilling Copa del Rey quarter-final match, Real Madrid secured a dramatic victory against CD Leganés, winning 3-2 after a tense encounter at the Estadio Municipal de Butarque.
The match was marked by a rollercoaster of emotions, with Real Madrid initially taking a commanding lead before Leganés staged a spirited comeback, only for the visitors to snatch victory in the dying moments of the game.
Real Madrid started the match strongly, demonstrating their attacking prowess from the outset. Within the first few minutes, they created several chances, putting pressure on the Leganés defense. The breakthrough came in the 18th minute when veteran midfielder, Luka Modric opened the scoring with a tucking a brilliant shot beyond the Leganés goalkeeper after brilliant work by Rodrygo.
Shortly after, in the 25th minute, young forward, Endrick doubled Real Madrid’s lead, finishing from close range after a scramble in the penalty area.
However, just before halftime, Leganés managed to pull one back. In the 39th minute, Juan Cruz converted a penalty after a foul by Real Madrid’s Jacobo Ramon, who was making his first senior start. This goal shifted momentum as Leganés went into halftime trailing 2-1.
The second half began with Leganés looking more determined to equalize. They pressed high and created several opportunities, testing Real Madrid’s defense. Their persistence paid off when Juan Cruz netted his second goal, leveling the match at 2-2 and sending the home crowd into wild celebrations.
As the match approached its final moments, it seemed destined for extra time. However, in an astonishing turn of events, Real Madrid found the winner in stoppage time. In the 93rd minute, substitute, Gonzalo Garcia made an immediate impact by directing his header into the corner to seal Real Madrid’s spot in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey.
