Real Madrid’s Thrilling Journey to the King’s Cup Semi-Final
In a dramatic quarter-final clash of the Spanish King’s Cup, Real Madrid’s 3-2 win over Leganes has propelled them into the semi-finals. The match was full of excitement, with the Royal Whites taking an early lead, only to see Leganes fight back and equalize. A last-minute header by Gonzalo Garcia secured Real Madrid’s place in the next round, making it a match to remember for both teams.
Early Leganes Pressure and Real Madrid’s Opening Goals
The match kicked off with Leganes applying early pressure. In just the second minute, Diego fired a powerful shot from inside the area, but Real Madrid’s goalkeeper, Andriy Lunin, was on hand to make a crucial save. Leganes continued their attacking push with a free-kick in the 5th minute, but Lunin was again up to the task, keeping the score level.
Real Madrid began to settle into the game, with their first real attempt coming in the 14th minute. Young forward Endrick fired a shot from a tight angle, but Leganes goalkeeper Soriano managed to deflect the ball out for a corner.
Then, in the 18th minute, Luka Modric broke the deadlock for the visitors. A cross from Rodrigo on the left found Modric in the box, and the Croatian midfielder calmly controlled the ball before firing it into the net to make it 1-0.
Just seven minutes later, Endrick doubled Real Madrid’s lead with a well-taken goal. The Brazilian forward intercepted a poor pass from Leganes defender Tapia inside the penalty area and slotted the ball past Soriano, making it 2-0 for the Royal Whites.
Leganes Fights Back: A Penalty and an Equalizer
Leganes wasn’t about to let Real Madrid run away with the game. In the 38th minute, a handball by Real Madrid’s Jacob Ramon in the penalty area resulted in a spot-kick for Leganes. Juan Cruz stepped up to take the penalty and scored, sending the ball past Lunin to pull one back for Leganes and make it 2-1.
The first half ended with Real Madrid leading, but Leganes’ penalty goal gave them hope for a comeback in the second half.
Second Half Drama: Real Madrid’s Near Misses and Leganes’ Equalizer
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti made an attacking change at the start of the second half, replacing Rodrygo with Vinicius Junior. The Brazilian winger almost added a third goal for Los Blancos in the 49th minute, but Soriano made a crucial save with his foot.
Endrick also came close in the 58th minute, heading over the crossbar from a promising position. However, Leganes continued to press forward and found their equalizer in the 59th minute. Juan Cruz scored his second goal of the match, with a shot that deflected off Real Madrid defender Ferland Mendy before finding its way into the back of the net. The score was now level at 2-2, leaving the match hanging in the balance.
A Dramatic Finish: Gonzalo Garcia’s Last-Minute Header
With the match nearing its conclusion, Real Madrid pushed for a winner. In the 63rd minute, Vinicius fired a shot from inside the box, but it crashed off the post. Then, in the 74th minute, Brahim Diaz had a chance to score, but his low shot hit the crossbar, keeping the score tied.
Just as it seemed like the match was headed to extra time, Real Madrid found their breakthrough in the 90+3 minute. Substitute Gonzalo Garcia became the hero, heading in a brilliant cross from Brahim Diaz to score the decisive goal. The ball flew past Soriano, sending Real Madrid fans into celebration as they secured a dramatic 3-2 victory.
Real Madrid Moves On to the King’s Cup Semi-Final
With Gonzalo Garcia’s dramatic late goal, Real Madrid advanced to the King’s Cup semi-final, booking their spot in the next round of the prestigious tournament. Although Leganes fought valiantly, they were unable to capitalize on their opportunities and were left to regret their missed chances.
Real Madrid will now turn their attention to the semi-finals, where they will look to continue their pursuit of another King’s Cup title.
