In an exciting showdown, Real Madrid is set to face Leganés in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey at the Estadio Municipal de Butarque. After a tough loss against Espanyol in La Liga, Madrid is looking to bounce back and secure their spot in the semifinals of this prestigious tournament. Meanwhile, Leganés hopes to capitalize on the opportunity and aim for an upset victory just like they did in the 2017-18 season when they knocked out the giants. The match is scheduled for 21:00 CET and fans can catch all the action live on ESPN+ in the United States.
Match Preview
Real Madrid comes into this match with quite a bit of pressure after their recent loss, which has left fans anxious. The team had earlier won convincingly against Leganés earlier this season with a scoreline of 3-0. However, injuries have forced coach Carlo Ancelotti to shuffle the deck, and he is expected to rely on some younger talents alongside experienced players. This could make for an unpredictable and thrilling game.
Leganés’ Form and Strategy
Leganés is not just there to make up the numbers; they have shown their capability by overcoming several strong opponents to reach this stage of the tournament. They pulled off a thrilling 3-2 victory over Almeria in the round of 16 and are entering this match with an eye to surprise again. The team is keen to build off their recent five-game unbeaten run, although they did suffer a setback with a 1-0 loss to Rayo Vallecano in their last outing.
Injury Concerns for Madrid
Injuries to key players are causing headaches for Ancelotti as he prepares his squad for this important clash. The absence of players like Vinicius Junior will definitely be felt. However, this situation opens up opportunities for some young stars, including talented forward Endrick, to step into the spotlight. Real Madrid fans will be hoping that these youngsters can deliver when it matters most.
Where to Watch the Match
- Broadcast: The match will be available to watch live on ESPN+ in the United States.
- Kick-off Times: The match is set for 21:00 CET (Spain), 15:00 ET (US East Coast), and 12:00 PT (US West Coast).
- Venue: Estadio Municipal de Butarque, Leganés.
A Historic Rivalry
This match isn’t just about moving forward in the tournament; it’s also a chance for Leganés to rekindle memories of their historic victory over Real Madrid in 2017-18. The atmosphere is expected to be electric, with around 12,450 fans packed into the stadium to cheer for their home team.
Final Thoughts
As the excitement builds for this quarter-final clash, both teams will be looking to prove their worth. For Real Madrid, it’s about redemption and reclaiming their status as one of the top teams in Spain. For Leganés, it’s a moment of opportunity to showcase their talents against one of the giants of football. This match is more than just a game; it’s a thrilling chapter in the ongoing story of the Copa del Rey.
