Real Madrid Faces Tactical Challenges Ahead of Leganés Match

Real Madrid is bracing for a tactical reshuffle as key players are unavailable for their impending fixture against Leganés. The club faces a temporary shortage on the right wing with Lucas Vázquez ruled out, complicating their lineup selections ahead of Wednesday’s highly anticipated match at Anfield. According to club sources, the absence of Aurelien Tchouameni, sidelined with a sprain, further compounds their defensive dilemmas.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti is reportedly planning to position Federico Valverde as a right-back and employ Asencio in a central defensive role alongside Rüdiger. This configuration is expected to debut in the team’s home clash against Leganés, which serves as a precursor to their more demanding Champions League commitments.

Brahim is anticipated to start based on a remarkable performance during the international break, scoring five goals in just two matches. Ancelotti appears committed to capitalizing on Brahim’s current form, especially with future competition expected from Rodrygo‘s return.

Real Madrid will also benefit from the return of Thibaut Courtois, recovering successfully from an adductor injury. His presence is described as indispensable due to his proven track record of delivering secure performances.

The attacking duo, Vinicius and Mbappé, is under scrutiny as they are expected to lift their game. Mbappé, in particular, is yet to meet expectations this season, raising questions over his performance levels.

The projected starting lineup for Real Madrid includes Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Rüdiger, Mendy; Camavinga, Modric, Bellingham; Brahim, Mbappé, and Vinicius.

This matchup holds unique significance due to Madrid’s recent woes at Butarque, Leganés’ home ground. Despite Real Madrid’s overall dominance in head-to-head encounters, with 10 wins, two draws, and two losses to Leganés, the last three visits to Butarque have ended without victory for the Madrid giants.

The Merengues last succeeded in Butarque on February 21, 2018, triumphing 3-1 after an early setback. Yet, since 2019, Leganés has posed unexpected challenges, including a notable 1-0 victory in a Copa del Rey fixture and frustrating league draws in 2019 and 2020, fueling a competitive edge to this encounter.

Leganés, now back in La Liga after dominating the second tier, currently languishes in the standings with 14 points, nearly half of Real Madrid’s tally of 27, despite having played one match more. This disparity underscores the significant gap in experiences between the two clubs, even within close geographic proximity in the Madrid region.