Real Madrid heads into this weekend’s clash against Leganes knowing that any slip-up could prove costly in their pursuit of the La Liga title. With Barcelona looking to widen the gap at the top, Los Blancos must secure all three points against a struggling Leganes side.
Leganes, on the other hand, find themselves in a desperate fight for survival. Sitting in the relegation zone, the newly-promoted club faces an uphill battle at the Bernabéu but will hope to catch Madrid off guard.
Match Details:
Date: Saturday, March 29, 2025
Kickoff: 8:00 PM (UK) | 4:00 PM (US ET) | 1:00 PM (US PT)
How to Watch:
- UK: Premier Sports
- US: ESPN / ESPN+ (Streaming)
Real Madrid: Back to Winning Ways?
Despite some inconsistent performances earlier in the season, Real Madrid has rediscovered its rhythm. Carlo Ancelotti’s men secured back-to-back victories against Rayo Vallecano and Villarreal, alongside a dramatic Champions League win over Atletico Madrid.
With the possibility of Ancelotti departing at the end of the season, Madrid fans will be hoping he leaves on a high, potentially guiding them to a domestic and European treble.
Team News: Defensive Concerns for Madrid
Injuries continue to be a concern for the home side, particularly in defense. Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal remain sidelined, while Jesus Vallejo and Ferland Mendy are doubtful. Meanwhile, speculation is mounting over a possible summer move for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who could reinforce Madrid’s backline next season.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1):
Goalkeeper: Courtois
Defense: Valverde, Rudiger, Asencio, Fran Garcia
Midfield: Tchouameni, Camavinga
Attack: Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius Jr.
Striker: Mbappé
Unavailable: Militao (Injured), Carvajal (Injured), Ceballos (Injured)
Questionable: Vallejo (Injured), Mendy (Injured)
Leganes: A Fight for Survival
Leganes’ return to La Liga has been a challenging one. Despite flashes of promise under head coach Borja Jimenez, the club sits inside the relegation zone, needing crucial points to avoid a swift drop back to the Segunda División.
Before the international break, Leganes suffered a heartbreaking 3-2 defeat to Real Betis, squandering a two-goal lead in a match where Dani Raba was the standout performer. They will need a disciplined defensive display to stand a chance against Madrid’s star-studded attack.
Team News: Key Players Missing
Leganes could be without Dani Raba due to a muscle strain, while defensive midfielder Yvan Neyou is also a doubt. Former Rangers fullback Borna Barisic is ruled out, adding to their defensive woes.
Predicted XI (4-5-1):
Goalkeeper: Dmitrovic
Defense: Rosier, Sergio, Nastasic, Javi Hernandez
Midfield: Juan Cruz, Oscar, Renato Tapia, Cisse, Brasanac
Striker: Miguel de la Fuente
Unavailable: Barisic (Injured), Franquesa (Injured)
Questionable: Neyou (Injured), Dani Raba (Injured)
Real Madrid’s offensive firepower could prove too much for Leganes, who have struggled to maintain defensive solidity against top-tier opposition.
Ancelotti’s tactical adjustment, allowing Jude Bellingham to play closer to Kylian Mbappé, has started to pay dividends. With Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo providing width, Leganes will likely find it difficult to withstand Madrid’s attacking waves.
On the other hand, Leganes’ inability to convert chances into goals has been a recurring issue. Their lack of a clinical finisher could prove costly in a match where they may only get a handful of opportunities.
Prediction: Real Madrid 3-0 Leganes
Betting Tip: Real Madrid -1 Handicap (Madrid to win by at least 2 goals).