Real Madrid Faces Challenging Encounter Against Leganés Amidst Injury Concerns

Real Madrid, currently trailing Barcelona in the league standings, is set to face Leganés in an important fixture at the Estadio Municipal Butarque on Saturday. With a six-point gap to the top, Real Madrid aims to narrow it down to three, taking advantage of the postponed match against Valencia. Their last outing saw them secure a convincing 4-0 victory over Osasuna before the international break. However, winning in Butarque has proven challenging, with the team not securing a victory there in their last three attempts despite a dominant historical record of 10 wins, two draws, and two losses over Leganés.

Likewise, Leganés is currently positioned 14th in the league table with 14 points and is enjoying a positive spell with two consecutive home victories, placing them outside the relegation zone in their return to the Primera División. Although they have never defeated Real Madrid in a league match, the team’s recent form has boosted hopes of pulling off an upset.

Betting odds favor Real Madrid heavily, with odds of 1.45 to 1 suggesting a high probability of victory. Meanwhile, a win for Leganés is valued at 7.00 to 1, and a draw stands at 4.50 to 1.

A crucial test lies ahead for Real Madrid’s coach, Carlo Ancelotti, who finds his squad significantly depleted, particularly in defense. The team will be without several key players including Lucas Vázquez, Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, David Alaba, and Aurélien Tchouaméni. Ancelotti is expected to rely on an unconventional lineup, featuring players like Antonio Rüdiger and Federico Valverde in defensive roles, possibly alongside young Diego Aguado from the club’s youth system.

Forward Kylian Mbappé, who joined Real Madrid amid much fanfare, finds himself under scrutiny as he seeks to recapture his scoring form. After being left out of the French national team by Didier Deschamps, Mbappé has had time to focus on club commitments and is anticipated to play a key role against Leganés. Notably, Real Madrid has remained unbeaten in their last 20 away games in La Liga.

For Leganés, this season marks one of their best starts in the Primera División. Head coach Borja Jiménez has steadied the team, achieving notable home wins against Celta Vigo and Sevilla. The rise in form of forward Miguel de la Fuente, who recently scored his first goal, has added depth to the attack. Defensively, the pairing of Yvan Neyou and Cissé has been formidable. The team is keen to capitalize on home support to challenge the visiting giants.