Leganés Strikes Fear, Gonzalo Strikes Back
Real Madrid continues to dominate the headlines, but this time not only for their football but for the rollercoaster of emotions they offered at Butarque, the house of Leganés. After the controversy over Madrid's statement against the referees and Ancelotti being saved from ridicule once again, the Whites managed to avoid disaster at the last minute and secure their place in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey. A goal from youth player Gonzalo García in stoppage time avoided extra time and rescued a team that, after a two-goal lead, seemed to have entered self-destruct mode. With everything set for the derby that could shake up La Liga on Saturday, Madrid took a hard-fought victory, but one that leaves more doubts than certainties at this point of the season.
The match began with Madrid looking like they were hurrying to finish the game. With a line-up full of rotations and a few curious oddities, such as Fede Valverde at right-back and two youth team players in defense, the Whites scored quickly. Luka Modric had a good finish, and Endrick, taking advantage of a rebound, made it 0-2 in just 25 minutes. Everything seemed on track until a childish handball by the young Jacobo Ramón revived Leganés before the break. Juan Cruz did not forgive from the penalty spot and lit up Butarque. It was a script written for the drama, and the second half was
Leganés not only believed in a comeback, but they were close to it. Vinicius Jr‘s introduction, far from being a catalyst like always, threw Madrid off balance and left a team that was more divided and lacking ideas. Meanwhile, Juan Cruz became the local hero with a goal after a great collective play. With the score at 2-2, Ancelotti's men were on the ropes, without a reaction and with the feeling that the game was slipping away from them. Brahim came close to a miracle with a shot against the crossbar, but the minutes passed, and the fear of ridicule took hold of Madrid fans in light of the latest results. Extra time seemed inevitable until Gonzalo García, the pearl of La Fábrica, appeared to catch a ball with his head and seal Madrid’s passage to the semis at the last minute.
This Madrid is a specialist in playing with fire, and at Butarque they proved it once again. They saved the day with an epic strike but left a sea of doubts ahead of Saturday's derby. Ancelotti, who opted for risky rotations, was spared criticism thanks to a youth player who barely gets any minutes in the first team. The Copa del Rey is still on the agenda for Real Madrid, but the team needs to find its best version if it wants to continue dreaming of the treble. For now, Madrid continues to find ways to win, but the wear and tear of these battles can end up weighing on them when they need it most.
