Real Madrid secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Leganes in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals.
Gonzalo García was the hero, scoring the winning goal in stoppage time. His late strike ensured Madrid’s place in the semifinals, avoiding a major upset.
Madrid’s Strong First Half
Madrid started strong, dominating the first half. Luka Modric opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a close-range strike.
The lead doubled in the 25th minute when Endrick capitalized on a loose ball in the box.
Madrid seemed in control, but Leganes had other plans.
Leganes Fights Back
Leganes fought back before halftime. Juan Cruz converted a penalty in the 39th minute, reducing the deficit.
The hosts continued their fight in the second half, and in the 59th minute, Cruz struck again. His shot deflected off a Madrid defender, making it 2-2.
Garcia’s Dream Moment
Real Madrid nearly regained the lead in the 75th minute. Brahim Díaz lifted the ball over the goalkeeper, but it struck the crossbar. Madrid pushed for a winner, knowing a draw would mean extra time.
Then came the defining moment. In the third minute of stoppage time, Díaz delivered a perfect cross.
García, a 20-year-old from Madrid’s “B” team, rose high and headed the ball into the net. It was a dream moment for the young striker.
“I’m thrilled, filled with emotions,” García said after the match. “Scoring a goal for Madrid has always been my dream. I’m happy to help the team reach the semifinals.”
Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti praised his team’s resilience. “We suffered but got the result,” he said. “Our young players stepped up. They lack experience, but they showed their quality.”
Madrid’s Defensive Woes
The win was crucial for Madrid after a recent setback. They lost 1-0 to Espanyol in La Liga on Saturday, marking only their second defeat in 15 matches. The team had also struggled in the previous Copa round, needing extra time to eliminate Celta Vigo.
Madrid faced Leganes with a depleted defense. Injuries sidelined Antonio Rüdiger, David Alaba, Éder Militão, and Dani Carvajal.
Ancelotti was forced to field young defenders Jacobo Ramón and Raúl Asencio. Midfielder Federico Valverde played as a right-back, earning his 200th win in 295 matches for Madrid.
Looking Ahead
Atletico Madrid was the first team to qualify for the semifinals, crushing Getafe 5-0 on Tuesday. The remaining quarterfinals will see Real Sociedad host Osasuna, while Barcelona faces Valencia on Thursday.
Ancelotti rested some key players ahead of an important league match. Madrid faces Atletico Madrid in a crucial La Liga derby at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday. Madrid currently leads Atletico by one point at the top of the table.
Real Madrid last won the Copa del Rey in 2022-23. They were eliminated by Atletico in the round of 16 last season. With a spot in the semifinals secured, they will be eager to lift the trophy once again.
Stay Updated with Bangbet News
Stay tuned to Bangbet News for all the latest sports updates. Don’t forget to place your bets on Bangbet, the best platform for sports betting.
Whether it’s the EPL or any other league, we’ve got the best odds. Check out Bangbet News for expert predictions to help you make informed bets!
