Real Madrid reignited their La Liga title ambitions with a dominant 3–0 victory over city rivals Leganés on Sunday, capitalizing on Barcelona’s slip-up against Celta Vigo. Despite an ongoing injury crisis, Carlo Ancelotti’s side displayed their resilience and tactical brilliance to edge closer to the top of the table.
This win not only cuts Barcelona’s lead to four points but also gives Real Madrid a vital game in hand against Valencia. With momentum building, the title race is heating up as both Spanish giants jostle for supremacy.
Real Madrid’s Dominance Amid Adversity
Carlo Ancelotti’s men came into the match under pressure, following recent setbacks in El Clásico against Barcelona and a tough Champions League loss to AC Milan. Adding to their challenges were injuries to key players like Éder Militão and Rodrygo, further testing the squad’s depth.
However, Real Madrid rose to the occasion at Butarque, showcasing their ability to adapt and thrive even with a makeshift lineup. The victory was a statement that the battle for the La Liga crown is far from over.
Mbappé Ends His Goal Drought
Kylian Mbappé, who had faced criticism for a month-long scoring drought, opened the scoring just before halftime. The goal came from excellent build-up play by Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Júnior. Bellingham’s persistence and Vinícius’ selflessness created the perfect chance for Mbappé, who clinically converted to restore his confidence.
This crucial breakthrough set the tone for Real Madrid, putting them firmly in control of the match.
Federico Valverde Shines as Captain
Forced into an unfamiliar right-back role due to injuries, Federico Valverde embraced the challenge and delivered a captain’s performance. Not only was he solid defensively, but he also contributed offensively, scoring a spectacular long-range goal in the second half.
Valverde’s strike came from a well-executed free-kick routine, showcasing his technical ability and leadership qualities. Wearing the captain’s armband for the first time, he led by example, proving his value to the team in multiple positions.
Bellingham Finds His Groove
Jude Bellingham continued his resurgence with a late goal to seal the victory. Pouncing on a mistake by Renato Tapia, the English midfielder showed his composure and precision to score in back-to-back matches.
After a slight dip in form, Bellingham’s recent performances indicate he is regaining the level that made him a standout early in the season. His contributions in midfield, combined with his knack for scoring, are becoming pivotal for Real Madrid.
Young Talent Steps Up
Real Madrid’s injury woes provided opportunities for younger players to shine. Raúl Asencio, making his first start in defense, delivered a composed and solid performance, filling the void left by Militão. His maturity and defensive awareness were critical in keeping Leganés at bay.
In midfield, Eduardo Camavinga and Dani Ceballos controlled the tempo, ensuring Real Madrid dictated play throughout the match. Their partnership neutralized Leganés’ attempts to counter, limiting the home side to only a handful of chances.
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Leganés Struggle Against Madrid’s Firepower
Leganés, playing in front of a passionate home crowd, found it difficult to match Real Madrid’s intensity. While De la Fuente showed flashes of creativity, the team rarely troubled Thibaut Courtois.
Goalkeeper Marko Dmitrović, however, had a standout performance, making crucial saves in the first half to deny Mbappé and Arda Güler. Despite his efforts, Leganés could not withstand the relentless pressure from Madrid’s attack in the second half.
Barcelona’s Draw Gives Real Madrid an Opening
Earlier in the day, Barcelona dropped points in a dramatic 2–2 draw against Celta Vigo. After leading 2–0 through goals by Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski, Barcelona conceded twice in the closing minutes, allowing Celta to snatch a point.
This result handed Real Madrid an opportunity to close the gap, which they seized with their victory over Leganés. With a game in hand, Real Madrid now has the chance to put even more pressure on their rivals.
Ancelotti’s Tactical Milestone
The win also marked a personal achievement for Carlo Ancelotti. He has now defeated all 27 La Liga opponents he has faced, a rare feat that underscores his tactical mastery.
Additionally, Real Madrid extended their unbeaten away streak in La Liga to 21 matches, inching closer to Barcelona’s record of 23. This consistency on the road has been a key factor in keeping Real Madrid in the title race.
What’s Next for Real Madrid?
Real Madrid’s focus now shifts to their midweek clash against Valencia, a crucial fixture in the title race. A victory in that match would bring them within touching distance of Barcelona and further signal their intent to reclaim the La Liga crown.
As key players like Militão and Rodrygo work toward recovery, Real Madrid will look to maintain their momentum and continue leveraging their squad depth. The contributions of players like Valverde, Bellingham, and Mbappé will be critical in the weeks ahead.
With Barcelona faltering, the title race is now wide open. As Real Madrid prepare for their clash with Valencia, one thing is clear: Los Blancos are not backing down in their pursuit of La Liga glory.
STANDINGS | Here’s how the #LALIGAEASPORTS table looks after Matchday 14… pic.twitter.com/5DVy7OrM1v
— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) November 24, 2024
