Leganés – Real Madrid: Madrid’s Scores, Jacobo 2 out of 10!

Real Madrid had to dig deep to secure a place in the Copa del Rey semi-finals after a dramatic 3-2 victory over Leganés. It was a night full of twists, with Luka Modric and Endrick stepping up when it mattered most, but ultimately, it was Gonzalo’s stoppage-time goal that secured the win. While Madrid’s resilience was commendable, the individual performances varied greatly, with some players shining and others enduring a night to forget.

Andriy Lunin – 7

Lunin once again proved his reliability between the posts. From the first whistle, the Ukrainian shot-stopper made crucial saves to keep Leganés at bay. His reflexes and positioning were spot-on, preventing the opposition from gaining confidence. While he conceded twice in the second half, neither goal could be directly attributed to his mistakes. His distribution was sometimes shaky, but overall, he maintained composure and played a crucial role in Madrid’s survival.

Federico Valverde – 7

Deployed at right-back, Valverde once again demonstrated his remarkable adaptability. The Uruguayan was tireless, balancing his defensive duties with attacking contributions. He supported Madrid’s build-up play with intelligent runs and physical strength, making himself an essential asset at both ends of the pitch. Despite being out of position, he delivered a disciplined and effective performance.

Raúl Asencio – 7

Thrust into the starting XI due to the absences of Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba, Asencio showed no signs of nerves. His physicality and tactical awareness helped compensate for his defensive partner’s struggles. He was dominant in aerial duels and displayed remarkable composure under pressure. A mature performance that could see him earn more opportunities in the future.

Jacobo Ramon – 2

A debut to forget for the young defender. From the opening minutes, he looked overwhelmed, struggling to cope with the intensity of the match. His inexperience was evident in his positioning and decision-making, leading to costly mistakes. The most damaging was his reckless challenge that gifted Leganés a penalty just before halftime, allowing them back into the game. A difficult night that will serve as a harsh learning experience.

Ferland Mendy – 5

Mendy continues to struggle for form, and this match did little to restore confidence. While he remained solid defensively, his attacking contributions were nearly nonexistent. His reluctance to push forward limited Madrid’s offensive options on the left flank. Though he avoided major errors, he failed to influence the game positively.

Aurélien Tchouameni – 7

Operating in his preferred defensive midfield role, Tchouameni provided a solid shield in front of the defense. He was instrumental in breaking up Leganés’ attacks and distributed the ball intelligently. His physical presence was particularly crucial in the second half when the opposition pressed forward aggressively. While not spectacular, his performance was efficient and effective.

Luka Modric – 7.5

At 39, Luka Modric continues to defy age with his masterful control of the game. His experience and vision were evident throughout the match as he dictated the tempo and orchestrated Madrid’s attacks. He opened the scoring with a vintage No.10 goal, latching onto a sublime pass from Rodrygo. His leadership and technical brilliance remain invaluable to this Madrid side.

Arda Güler – 5

Güler struggled to impose himself on the game. While he showed glimpses of his talent, his overall performance lacked consistency. His passing was erratic at times, and his risk-taking often led to unnecessary turnovers. He will need to be more decisive in future appearances if he hopes to cement a place in the team.

Brahim Díaz – 7

Energetic and inventive, Brahim Díaz was one of Madrid’s most dangerous players in attack. His pace and dribbling caused problems for Leganés, and he constantly looked to create opportunities. He took responsibility on the ball and was a key figure in Madrid’s forward play. A performance that justified his place in the starting lineup.

Rodrygo Goes – 8

Rodrygo was Madrid’s standout performer on the night. Positioned on the left wing, he tormented Leganés’ defense with his pace, skill, and precise passing. His assist for Modric’s goal was a work of art, highlighting his vision and technique. He was substituted at halftime for Vinicius Jr, but by then, he had already left his mark on the match.

Endrick – 7.5

The young Brazilian once again proved why Madrid invested in him. He capitalized on a defensive error to score a classic poacher’s goal, showcasing his instinct and composure in front of goal. His movement and positioning were impressive, making him a constant threat to the Leganés backline. A promising display from Madrid’s future star.

Vinicius Jr – 4

Introduced at halftime, Vinicius endured a frustrating evening. He struggled to impact the game, with his dribbles often leading to dead ends. His decision-making was questionable, and he failed to provide the spark Madrid needed. A rare off-day for the Brazilian winger.

A Game of Contrasts

Real Madrid’s victory was a testament to their fighting spirit, but the performance exposed key weaknesses. The defense, particularly Jacobo Ramon, looked vulnerable, while Mendy’s lack of attacking impetus remains a concern. On the other hand, the brilliance of Rodrygo, Modric, and Endrick ensured that Madrid’s attacking threat remained intact.

A Tough Lesson for Jacobo

Young defenders often endure rough debuts, but Jacobo’s performance will be a tough one to recover from. His positional awareness, decision-making, and composure all need significant improvement. With Alaba and Rüdiger sidelined, Madrid may need to rethink their defensive strategy if they are to avoid similar scares in the upcoming matches.

Rodrygo’s Influence

Even though he only played one half, Rodrygo’s impact was undeniable. His creativity and direct play were crucial in breaking down Leganés. Madrid fans will hope his substitution was purely tactical and not due to injury concerns.

Modric: The Eternal Maestro

Modric’s longevity continues to amaze. While younger midfielders struggle for consistency, the Croatian remains Madrid’s most reliable playmaker. His goal was another reminder that even in the twilight of his career, he remains indispensable.

Endrick’s Encouraging Signs

The Brazilian teenager is quickly proving his worth. His goal was a classic striker’s finish, and his overall game awareness was impressive. If he continues on this trajectory, he could become a vital player for Madrid sooner than expected.

The Road Ahead

Madrid’s victory sets up a semi-final showdown, but the performance suggests improvements are needed. The defensive frailties must be addressed, and players like Mendy and Vinicius Jr need to step up. With crucial fixtures ahead, Ancelotti will have to find the right balance to ensure Madrid remain competitive on all fronts.