Madrid, Spain — Real Madrid fought hard to secure a 3-2 victory over Leganés on March 29, 2025, at the Santiago Bernabéu. The win was crucial for Madrid as they continue their pursuit of the LaLiga title amidst a tightly contested season.
The match started with an early penalty awarded to Madrid, which Kylian Mbappé converted in the 32nd minute with a cheeky Panenka. However, the home side’s lead was short-lived as Diego García equalized for Leganés just two minutes later. The visiting team continued to pressure and took the lead through Raba, capitalizing on a defensive mix-up to make it 2-1 before halftime.
Coming out of the break, Madrid showed renewed energy. Jude Bellingham leveled the score in the 48th minute, knocking in a rebound after his initial shot hit the crossbar. The urgency of Madrid was evident, and they maintained possession as they searched for the go-ahead goal.
In the 75th minute, Mbappé found the net again, this time with a well-taken direct free kick, putting Real Madrid ahead 3-2. After getting the lead, Madrid faced a late push from Leganés, who searched for an equalizer but couldn’t find a way past the resolute defense.
After the match, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti stated, “We did not play a bad game, but we lacked equilibrium. We should have managed our lead better.” He added, “Kylian was instrumental today, and his free kick was scouted and practiced during the week.”
Mbappé remarked on his performance, acknowledging the challenges after the international break but emphasized the team’s resolve: “Winning is our priority. We have to continue performing well as a team.” This match marked his 33rd goal of the season, tying him with Cristiano Ronaldo’s first-year tally at the club.
Leganés coach Borja Jiménez expressed frustration about the officiating decisions that he believed went against his team, particularly concerning a couple of penalty appeals. “We played a serious match, but we leave feeling cheated by several key decisions,” he lamented.
The victory keeps Madrid in contention for the LaLiga title, as they are closely trailing Barcelona in the standings. With six home matches left, every point is crucial for their championship aspirations.
The match proved once again that in football, it’s not just about tactics but also resilience and the ability to seize the moment when it counts the most. Fans at the Bernabéu left the stadium celebrating an intense and hard-fought win, while Leganés left disappointed but hopeful for upcoming matches.
