By Graham Ruthven
Actual response required
Few noticed Actual Madrid’s 1-0 defeat to Espanyol coming. Los Blancos had been on a five-match profitable streak in all competitions and seemed to have constructed momentum forward of a visit to Barcelona to face a relegation-threatened opponent.
In opposition to Espanyol, although, all the issues that troubled Madrid within the early a part of the season emerged as soon as once more. They lacked creativity and failed to interrupt down a low defensive block, leaving an excessive amount of area for his or her opponents to counter into on the break.
Not for the primary time this season, Carlo Ancelotti is dealing with criticism for his set-up of the crew with many stating that the frontline of Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham destabilises the remainder of the facet.
Leganés, however, have just lately demonstrated their capacity to upset the chances, beating Atlético Madrid and taking factors off Athletic Membership final month.
Beneath Borja Jiménez, Los Pepineros (the Cucumbers!) have turn into tough to interrupt down, conceding simply two targets of their final three video games, which may make them a tough opponent for Actual Madrid in the identical approach Espanyol have been.
Key gamers
Goalkeeper Marko Dmitrović has been a standout performer for Leganés this season, just lately retaining clear sheets towards Atleti and Athletic. Nevertheless, Actual Madrid’s ahead line will current the Serbian along with his hardest check of the marketing campaign so far.
Juan Cruz may pose the largest objective risk for the hosts from his place as a left wing again. Out of possession, the 24-year-old is anticipated to sit down again in a again 5, however he has the liberty to get ahead when there’s the chance.
Ancelotti may make modifications to his crew after the defeat to Espanyol with many followers calling for Brahim Díaz to start out. The Spanish worldwide provides Actual Madrid cohesion and work price on the correct facet.
Vinícius and Rodrygo will virtually definitely function sooner or later, although. If they’re firing on cylinders, as that they had been earlier than the weekend, Leganés can be blown away.
Crew information
Enrique Francesca stays out for Leganes after struggling an ACL damage in November whereas Seydouba Cisse will even miss Wednesday’s assembly with the Spanish champions after choosing up a hamstring pressure towards Rayo Vallecano final week.
Sergio González was proven a straight purple card within the defeat to Rayo, however his suspension solely applies to league video games and so the centre again can be accessible.
Antonio Rüdiger’s damage will rule him out of motion for the following three weeks. This implies the German defender will miss this Copa del Rey quarter-final in addition to the Madrid Derby and two Champions League matches towards Manchester Metropolis. His absence couldn’t have come at a worse time for Los Blancos.
Éder Militão remains to be sidelined by means of damage whereas David Alaba has but to play a full 90-minute match since his personal return from damage final month. This might see Raul Asencio begin in central defence towards Leganés.
Andriy Lunin is anticipated to start out in objective having began Actual Madrid’s final two matches within the Copa del Rey. However Ancelotti has confirmed that Mbappé and Bellingham can be lacking on account of slight knocks picked up over the weekend.
Prediction
Leganés will look to proceed their current robust run of outcomes towards Spain’s greatest sides however must be undone by Madrid’s superior firepower on the day, simply. We’re saying 1-0 to Actual Madrid.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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