Real Madrid vs Leganés: Player Ratings, Lucas Vazquez Disappointed Again

Real Madrid narrowly avoided a significant upset against Leganés on Saturday, in a match that showcased both the brilliance of Kylian Mbappé and the persistent defensive vulnerabilities that continue to plague Carlo Ancelotti’s side. The 3-2 victory, secured by Mbappé’s brace, highlighted the team’s resilience but also exposed glaring weaknesses that need immediate attention.

Leganés, a team that had already caused upsets against both FC Barcelona and Atlético Madrid this season, proved to be a formidable opponent. Real Madrid, mirroring their previous encounters with Leganés, had to fight tooth and nail to secure the three points. The match began promisingly for the home side, with Kylian Mbappé converting a penalty won by Arda Güler in the 32nd minute. However, their lead was short-lived, as defensive lapses allowed Leganés to equalize just two minutes later.

As halftime approached, Leganés stunned the Bernabéu with a second goal, leaving Real Madrid trailing at the break. Ancelotti’s team, spurred by a sense of urgency, returned to the pitch with renewed determination. Jude Bellingham’s equalizer in the 47th minute ignited the home crowd, and Mbappé’s stunning free-kick in the 76th minute sealed the victory. This hard-fought win brought Real Madrid level on points with Barcelona, who still had a game in hand.

Andriy Lunin, deputizing for the indisposed Thibaut Courtois, endured a challenging evening. Despite making a crucial save late in the game, Lunin conceded two goals, raising questions about his decisiveness in high-pressure situations. His performance lacked the commanding presence that Courtois typically provides.

Lucas Vazquez, deployed at right-back, delivered another underwhelming performance. His attacking contributions were overshadowed by his glaring defensive lapses. Vazquez’s consistent failure to fulfill his defensive duties forced Raúl Asencio to cover for him, disrupting the team’s defensive structure. The right-back position remains a significant area of concern for Real Madrid.

Raúl Asencio, the young Spanish defender, showcased his potential but was ultimately unable to prevent Leganés from scoring twice in the first half. Despite his speed and game-reading ability, Asencio struggled to maintain defensive solidity.

Antonio Rüdiger, returning from international duty with Germany, attempted to marshal the defense but was unable to prevent Leganés’s offensive onslaught. Like Asencio, Rüdiger’s efforts were commendable, but the team’s overall defensive organization was lacking.

Fran Garcia, the left-back, was a bright spot in Real Madrid’s performance. His energetic runs and accurate crosses posed a constant threat to Leganés’s defense. Garcia’s performance highlighted his reliability and value to the team.

Arda Güler, a surprise starter, displayed flashes of brilliance. He won the penalty that led to Mbappé’s first goal and was involved in several attacking plays. However, Güler’s overall impact on the game was limited, particularly in the first half.

Luka Modric, the experienced Croatian midfielder, played with his usual composure and tenacity. His interceptions and tackles helped Real Madrid control the midfield, but his set-piece delivery was below his usual standards.

Eduardo Camavinga delivered a solid performance in midfield, replicating his combative display against Villarreal. His relentless work rate and defensive contributions were crucial in Real Madrid’s comeback.

Jude Bellingham, once again, delivered an outstanding performance. His energy, ball-winning ability, and crucial equalizer highlighted his importance to the team. Bellingham’s discipline, which had been questioned by coach Thomas Tuchel, was exemplary.

Brahim Díaz, playing in an attacking role, caused numerous problems for Leganés’s defense with his skillful dribbling and movement in tight spaces. His performance justified his inclusion in the starting eleven.

Kylian Mbappé was the star of the show, scoring a brace that secured Real Madrid’s victory. His penalty and stunning free-kick showcased his exceptional talent. Mbappé’s attacking prowess and goal-scoring ability were instrumental in overcoming Leganés’s challenge.

Mbappé’s performance raised the prospect of him breaking the record for most goals in a debut season for a Real Madrid player. His current form suggests that he is capable of achieving this feat.

The match against Leganés exposed both Real Madrid’s attacking brilliance and their defensive vulnerabilities. Ancelotti faces the challenge of addressing these defensive concerns while maintaining the team’s attacking momentum. The player ratings highlight the disparity in performances, with Mbappé and Bellingham excelling while others struggled to maintain consistency. The defensive issues, particularly at right-back, remain a pressing concern for Ancelotti and his coaching staff.