Kylian Mbappé’s brace propelled Real Madrid to a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory against Leganés at the Santiago Bernabéu, leveling them on points with La Liga leaders Barcelona. The match, a captivating display of attacking football, saw momentum swing dramatically between the two sides, ultimately culminating in Real Madrid’s hard-fought triumph. The win applied significant pressure on their rivals, Barcelona, who faced a Catalan derby against Girona the following day. This victory underscored Real Madrid’s resilience and attacking prowess, demonstrating their ability to overcome adversity and secure crucial points in the fiercely competitive La Liga title race.
The match began with a controversial penalty decision in favor of Real Madrid, awarded after Oscar Rodriguez tangled with Arda Güler. Mbappé coolly converted the spot-kick with a Panenka, giving Real Madrid a fleeting lead. However, Leganés responded immediately, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to level the score through Diego García. The visitors then stunned the home crowd by taking the lead before halftime, with Dani Raba finishing off a well-worked move. The first half highlighted the vulnerability of Real Madrid’s defense despite their attacking dominance, while Leganés demonstrated their ability to exploit opportunities and pose a threat on the counter-attack.
Real Madrid emerged from the halftime break with renewed determination, and their efforts were quickly rewarded. Jude Bellingham, continuing his impressive debut season, netted his eighth league goal, restoring parity after following up on a blocked shot by Brahim Diaz. The goal injected fresh energy into the Real Madrid attack, and they relentlessly pursued the winning goal. The second half showcased Real Madrid’s ability to dictate the tempo and create chances, while Leganés found it increasingly difficult to contain the onslaught.
The decisive moment arrived in the 76th minute when Mbappé curled in a stunning free-kick, securing his second goal of the match and putting Real Madrid in front. The French forward’s clinical finish proved to be the difference, as Real Madrid held on to claim a vital three points. Mbappé’s performance highlighted his individual brilliance and his importance to the team’s success. Leganés, despite their spirited performance, were unable to find an equalizer, and Real Madrid emerged victorious.
Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical decisions played a key role in the comeback. He initially rested Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes, who had recently returned from international duty with Brazil. However, recognizing the need for additional firepower, Ancelotti introduced both players in the second half, bolstering the attack and contributing to the eventual victory. The substitutions injected pace and creativity into the Real Madrid attack, proving crucial in breaking down the resilient Leganés defense.
The match also served as a testament to the depth of Real Madrid’s squad. Despite resting key players initially, Ancelotti had the luxury of bringing on world-class talent from the bench, ultimately making the difference in the game. This depth provides Real Madrid with a significant advantage in navigating the demanding La Liga schedule and competing on multiple fronts. Mbappé’s individual brilliance, coupled with the contributions of Bellingham and the impact of the substitutes, secured a crucial victory for Real Madrid, keeping them firmly in the title race.
