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Resting players with one eye on Copa del Rey Play, Real Madrid could come back on Saturday for a 3-2 victory over Leganes. After Kylian Mbappe opened the score of the place, the relegation-threatened side fought back to restore half and make use of the incoherent defense of Real Madrid.
But in the second half, Los Blancos quickly came out of the blocks to score via Jude Bellingham, and when the South American contingent of Vinicius Junior and Fede Valverde came into the match, Real Madrid increased their intensity to win the game via Mbappe who scored another goal from a number of SET-piece Trickery.
It is a victory that brings Real Madrid back with Barcelona on top of La Liga, although their rivals have a competition in hand opposite Girona on Sunday morning. But the only thing that the men of Carlo Ancelotti can do is determine what is for them, because even if neither teams glides the rest of the road, El Clásico could turn out to be the difference in who wins the title in May. This competition was perhaps more difficult than expected for Los Blancos, but those are also the types of games where they can learn the most about themselves.
Jude Bellingham’s expectation
On the equalizer of Real Madrid, Bellingham wanted the goal more than anyone. Less than 90 seconds after the restart, the midfielder of Real Madrid saw his own shot and when Brahim Diaz blocked the line, but as soon as the rebound fell to the Englishman, he would not miss it. It is Bellingham’s seventh La Liga target of the season, to go with six assists so far. What is even more important, it was a goal of a late run in the box.
That is something that Bellingham did last season when Real Madrid missed a recognized striker, but this season was largely absent with the arrival of Mbappe. During the second half of the game, Bellingham almost played as a second striker and made three shots for an XG of one. He came in good positions that exchanged with Mbappe and his passing accuracy therefore did not fall, so the team still pushed forward for goals.
Oh, Kylian Mbappe
On the one hand, Mbappe could have been more efficient with his nine shots, but when he scored two goals, one is the winner, it doesn’t matter too much for Real Madrid. Scoring his 22nd LA Liga target to draw level with Robert Lewandowski in the Golden Boot Race, and the team ensures that Mbappe gets the ball early and often.
He receives the ball more at his feet and on the countertop to devastating effect, and with Real Madrid in the race for a Treble this season, they need all the goals they can get from the Frenchman. It was a rough start for life in Madrid for Mbappe, but now he clearly meets the expectations of the shirt. While he does that, Real Madrid starts to turn into an unbeatable side if it matters the most.
Depth concern
While Real Madrid won the match, several players did not cover themselves in glory. Brahim Diaz lost a ball that led to Leganes scored, while Fran Garcia and Raul Asencio were caught defensively. It is a match that was made more difficult than it had to be, something that Carlo Ancelotti will become acquainted with. While he comes out of the international break while they rest players, it is fair for Real Madrid to have some struggles, but with three games in seven days this is not the last time that depth players will be needed. Champions League Quarterfinals with Arsenal Will Sandwich opposite Valencia and Alaves, both of which are teams that fit the same profile as Leganes on Saturday. Although Real Madrid has dug deep to get those results when needed, they have to do more to really push Barcelona and win La Liga.
What is the following?
Real Madrid has competitions that come fat and fast, with the second stage of the Copa del Rey semi -finals on Tuesday 1 April. Already a 1-0 lead and playing the game at home, Real Madrid will feel good to go into the game, but UCL Play is also on the horizon with Arsenaal looming. Leganes will have to continue quickly of this missed opportunity in the relegation race and will be confronted with Osasuna on 7 April.