Real Madrid Faces Leganés in High-Stakes Copa del Rey Quarterfinal

MADRID, Spain — Real Madrid will face Leganés in a high-stakes Copa del Rey quarterfinal match on Wednesday, as both teams vie for a spot in the semifinals. The match comes amid a backdrop of injuries, controversies, and historical rivalries that add intrigue to the encounter.

Real Madrid, still reeling from a recent LaLiga defeat, will be without key players due to injuries, including David Alaba, who is sidelined for three weeks with an adductor injury. The team also faces scrutiny following a controversial refereeing decision in their previous match against Espanyol, which left Kylian Mbappé injured and sparked a heated statement from the club.

Leganés, on the other hand, enters the match with nothing to lose and the chance to reach the Copa del Rey semifinals for only the second time in their history. The team has already proven its mettle this season, defeating Real Madrid in LaLiga and eliminating two second-division teams in the Copa del Rey. Their last encounter with Real Madrid in November 2024 ended in a 3-0 victory for the Merengues, with goals from Mbappé, Rodrygo, and Vinicius Jr.

Historically, Leganés has been a thorn in Real Madrid’s side in Copa del Rey matches. In 2018, they famously defeated Real Madrid 1-2 at the Santiago Bernabéu, a result that remains a proud moment for the club. This time, they aim to replicate that success, buoyed by the support of their home crowd at Butarque.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is expected to field a rotated lineup, prioritizing upcoming matches against Atlético Madrid and Manchester City. Key players like Jude Bellingham and Lucas Vázquez are likely to be rested, while Arda Güler and Endrick could see significant playing time. “We have to manage the squad carefully,” Ancelotti said. “Every match is important, but we have bigger challenges ahead.”

For Leganés, the match represents a rare opportunity to make history. “This is a special game for us,” said Leganés captain Sergio González. “We know what we’re up against, but we believe in our chances.” The team will miss midfielder Cissé, who has been a crucial figure in their midfield this season.

The match also holds personal significance for Leganés midfielder Dani Raba, who has emerged as one of the team’s standout players this season. “He’s the Ballon d’Or of Leganés,” teammate Miguel de la Fuente quipped. Raba, who has two goals and four assists this season, will be key to his team’s hopes of pulling off another upset.

As the two teams prepare to clash, the stakes couldn’t be higher. For Real Madrid, it’s a chance to stay on course for a domestic double. For Leganés, it’s an opportunity to etch their name in the history books once again.