Copa del Rey: Leganés vs Real Madrid Preview – February 5, 2025
The Copa del Rey continues with an
exciting clash as CD Leganés hosts Real Madrid in the Round of 16 on Wednesday,
February 5, 2025. This fixture brings together the underdogs from Segunda
División and one of Europe’s biggest clubs, setting the stage for a classic cup
upset or a dominant display by the Spanish giants.
Event
Details
- Fixture:
Leganés vs. Real Madrid
- Date:
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
- Kick-Off Time:
21:00 CET / 20:00 GMT / 15:00 ET
- Venue:
Estadio Municipal de Butarque, Leganés, Spain
- Broadcast & Live Stream:
- Spain:
Movistar+, RTVE
- United Kingdom:
Premier Sports, ITV
- United States:
ESPN+, ESPN Deportes
- Worldwide:
Available via regional broadcasters and streaming services
Team
News
Leganés
Currently playing in Spain’s second
tier, Leganés will see this fixture as an opportunity to make a statement
against La Liga’s biggest club. The team will look to leverage its home
advantage and defensive organization to trouble their star-studded opponents.
- Injuries/Suspensions:
- Allan Nyom:
Doubtful due to a muscle strain.
- Miramón:
Expected to return after recovering from a minor injury.
- Key Players:
- Daniel Raba:
The attacking midfielder will be crucial in creating chances.
- Miguel de la Fuente: Leganés’ main goal threat.
- Sergio González: The defender needs to marshal the backline against
Madrid’s attack.
Real
Madrid
Real Madrid, managed by Carlo
Ancelotti, is aiming to add another Copa del Rey trophy to their collection.
With a packed schedule in La Liga and the Champions League, Madrid might rotate
their squad for this game.
- Injuries/Suspensions:
- Eder Militão:
Out with a long-term ACL injury.
- Thibaut Courtois: Recovering from an ACL tear.
- David Alaba:
Sidelined with a muscle injury.
- Key Players:
- Jude Bellingham: The Englishman is having a phenomenal season.
- Rodrygo:
A key attacking outlet, especially if Vinícius Jr. is rested.
- Eduardo Camavinga: Provides midfield stability and defensive coverage.
Possible
Lineups
Leganés
(4-4-2):
- Goalkeeper:
Dani Jiménez
- Defenders:
Miramón, Sergio González, Jorge Sáenz, Enric Franquesa
- Midfielders:
Allan Nyom, Undabarrena, Daniel Raba, Juan Muñoz
- Forwards:
Miguel de la Fuente, Borja Garcés
Real
Madrid (4-3-3):
- Goalkeeper:
Andriy Lunin
- Defenders:
Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rüdiger, Nacho, Fran García
- Midfielders:
Eduardo Camavinga, Luka Modric, Jude Bellingham
- Forwards:
Rodrygo, Joselu, Brahim Díaz
Playing
Ground: Estadio Municipal de Butarque
Leganés’ home ground, Estadio
Municipal de Butarque, has a capacity of 12,450 spectators. The intimate
atmosphere could play a role in making things difficult for Real Madrid, as
smaller grounds often amplify home support in cup competitions.
Head-to-Head
Record
- Total Matches:
14
- Real Madrid Wins:
10
- Leganés Wins:
2
- Draws:
2
Although Real Madrid dominates the
overall record, Leganés famously eliminated them from the Copa del Rey in 2018
with a stunning 2-1 victory at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Match
Preview
Leganés’
Tactical Approach
Leganés will likely adopt a
defensive strategy, staying compact and looking for counterattacks. Their best
chances will come from set-pieces and exploiting any defensive errors from Real
Madrid’s rotated squad.
Real
Madrid’s Strategy
Expect Real Madrid to dominate
possession and use their technical superiority to break down Leganés' defense.
With players like Modric and Bellingham pulling the strings in midfield, they
will aim to unlock the opposition with precise passing and movement.
Key
Battles
- Daniel Raba vs. Jude Bellingham: The creative sparks for both sides will look to
dictate the game.
- Sergio González vs. Rodrygo: Leganés’ main defender will need to keep the Brazilian
forward in check.
- Miguel de la Fuente vs. Antonio Rüdiger: A classic battle between an underdog striker and a
world-class defender.
Betting
Odds & Predictions
- Real Madrid Win:
1/4
- Leganés Win:
9/1
- Draw:
5/1
Real Madrid is the overwhelming
favorite, but cup competitions can always produce surprises. A 3-1 win for
Real Madrid seems a likely outcome.
How
to Watch
Spain:
- Movistar+
- RTVE
United Kingdom:
- Premier Sports
- ITV
United States:
- ESPN+
- ESPN Deportes
Global:
- Check regional broadcasters for live streaming and TV
options.
Conclusion
Leganés vs. Real Madrid presents an
intriguing Copa del Rey fixture where the underdogs will look to cause an upset
against one of Spain’s footballing giants. Real Madrid’s superior quality and
depth make them strong favorites, but as history has shown, anything can happen
in the Copa del Rey!