Real Madrid’s 3-0 victory over Leganes on Sunday may have looked comfortable on paper, but the performance left much to be desired. While Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, and Federico Valverde grabbed the headlines with their goals, it was Turkish teenager Arda Guler who truly stood out with a stellar display in midfield. The match served as a warm-up for their upcoming Champions League clash against Liverpool, but it highlighted both strengths and weaknesses in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad.
Match Summary: A Tale of Individual Brilliance
Real Madrid started the match with a lackluster energy, struggling to impose themselves against a determined Leganes side. Despite creating a few early half-chances, Los Blancos looked disjointed and sloppy in their pressing.
Kylian Mbappe thought he had opened the scoring, but his effort was ruled offside. Arda Guler, making a rare start, dazzled with his creativity, weaving through the opposition defense only to see his shot saved. The breakthrough came courtesy of Vinicius Jr., who pounced on a loose ball after a Jude Bellingham tackle and squared it to Mbappe for a simple finish.
Federico Valverde doubled the lead in the second half with a stunning free-kick. The final goal came from Jude Bellingham, who headed home after Brahim Diaz’s deflected shot hit the bar. Despite the scoreline, Madrid’s performance raised concerns about their ability to handle more formidable opponents.
Player Performance and Analysis
Goalkeeper and Defense
Thibaut Courtois: The Belgian shot-stopper had a quiet evening, with Leganes rarely testing him. He dealt with a few crosses efficiently but was largely unchallenged.
Federico Valverde: Deployed on the right side, Valverde was tireless, contributing both defensively and offensively. His well-placed free-kick showcased his versatility and importance to the team.
Antonio Rudiger: Rudiger managed the defensive line effectively, allowing Fran Garcia to push forward. His calm presence ensured stability at the back.
Raul Asencio: Making his first start, the 21-year-old delivered a composed performance, showing promise and confidence beyond his years.
Fran Garcia: Garcia’s work rate was commendable, but his positioning left gaps that Leganes failed to exploit. He will need to tighten his defensive game against stronger opponents.
Midfield
Eduardo Camavinga: A steady if unspectacular outing. Camavinga worked hard to cover passing lanes and provided occasional forward thrusts.
Dani Ceballos: Although accurate with his passes, Ceballos struggled to influence the game. His performance lacked dynamism and urgency.
Arda Guler: The Turkish prodigy was the creative engine for Madrid. Guler’s vision, energy, and technical skill were on full display, making him the standout player of the match.
Jude Bellingham: Operating in a hybrid role, Bellingham excelled. He won the ball back for the first goal, made incisive runs, and capped off his performance with a well-deserved goal.
Attack
Kylian Mbappe: Despite scoring the opener, Mbappe’s overall performance was underwhelming. His timing and defensive contribution were notably off.
Vinicius Jr.: After a slow start, Vinicius turned the tide with his assist and relentless attacking runs. He remains a key offensive threat for Madrid.
Substitutes and Manager
Brahim Diaz: The lively substitute brought energy and was unlucky not to start.
Luka Modric: Brought on late to see out the game.
Endrick: The young Brazilian showed flashes of his talent in a brief cameo.
Carlo Ancelotti: The Italian tactician rotated his squad with an eye on the Liverpool fixture. While the team’s moments of brilliance secured the win, their inconsistent play will need addressing.
Looking Ahead: A Test at Anfield
Real Madrid’s victory against Leganes highlighted their individual quality but also exposed areas of vulnerability. With Liverpool looming in the Champions League, Madrid will need to raise their game significantly to avoid being punished by a more clinical opponent. The performance of players like Arda Guler and Jude Bellingham offers hope, but the team must find consistency and cohesion to succeed on Europe’s biggest stage.
