Leganes is preparing to host Real Madrid on Sunday evening for a highly anticipated La Liga clash. Where Real Madrid is thinking of climbing to the second place in the standings, Leganes has a lot to do as they sit in the 14th spot behind Sevilla. Fans can still expect an exciting and pivotal match with the stage set at the Estadio Municipal de Butarque on Sunday.
Match Details
Match: Leganes vs Real Madrid
Stadium: Estadio Municipal de Butarque
Date & Day: Nov 24, 2024; Sunday
Preview
Under the guidance of Borja Jimenez, Leganes returned to La Liga as Segunda Division champions last season, marking their first season back in the top flight since 2019-20. Their start has been respectable, with three wins, five draws, and five losses from 13 matches, leaving them in 14th place with 14 points. Recent form has been promising for Leganes, who have won three of their last four games across all competitions. Their latest success came just before the international break, as Miguel de la Fuente’s late penalty secured a 1-0 win over Sevilla.
Home performances have been a key strength, with Leganes earning 10 points from six matches at the Estadio Municipal de Butarque. They’ve also kept things tight at the back, conceding just four goals at home—something they’ll hope to build on against Real Madrid.
On the other side, Real Madrid heads into this matchup after a dominant 4-0 victory over Osasuna. Vinicius Junior stole the show with a hat-trick, while Jude Bellingham added his first goal of the season. The win was a much-needed boost for Los Blancos after consecutive home defeats to Barcelona and AC Milan. With a pivotal Champions League clash against Liverpool looming, they’ll be eager to maintain momentum in La Liga.
Currently sitting second in the standings, Real Madrid have tallied eight wins, three draws, and just one loss in their 12 matches, accumulating 27 points. They trail league leaders Barcelona by six points, though the Catalans have played one game more.
Leganes vs. Real Madrid: Team News
Leganes will head into Sunday’s clash, missing two key players, Renato Tapia and Enric Franquesa, due to injuries. These absences will force at least two changes to the lineup that started against Sevilla. Adding to their woes, Dani Raba is doubtful with a hamstring problem.
Javi Hernandez will likely step in for Franquesa at left-back, while Julian Chicco is expected to fill Tapia’s role in central midfield. Up front, Miguel De la Fuente—fresh off scoring his first goal of the season from the penalty spot against Sevilla—is set to lead the line again, with Sebastien Haller likely to start on the bench.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, face their injury challenges. Lucas Vazquez, Rodrygo, Eder Militao, Aurelien Tchouameni, Dani Carvajal, and David Alaba are all sidelined. On a positive note, Thibaut Courtois is expected to make his return to goal following a muscular injury. Federico Valverde will likely slot in at right-back, while Raul Asencio, who made his debut off the bench against Osasuna, is expected to start in central defense.
In midfield, Luka Modric and Brahim Diaz could return to the lineup. Despite these absences, Madrid’s attack will be led by its star trio of Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, and Kylian Mbappé. They are all fit and ready to continue their strong form for the reigning European and Spanish champions.
Predicted Lineups
Leganes: Dmitrovic; Alti, Gonzalez, Nastasic, Hernandez; Chicco, Cisse; Cruz, Brasanac, El Haddadi; De la Fuente
Real Madrid: Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Rudiger, Mendy; Modric, Camavinga, Bellingham; Diaz, Mbappé, Vinicius
Prediction
Although Real Madrid is expected to dominate, the match will be a great watch as both teams are stacked with high-quality players. Those three points are critical, and both teams will do their best to secure the win. Real Madrid has an edge to win the fixture by a decent margin. However, as they have been in the past few matches, Leganes won’t stay quiet and will be lethal enough on counter-attacks.
