Real Madrid 3 – 2 Leganés
Real Madrid staged a thrilling comeback to secure a 3-2 victory over Leganés at the Santiago Bernabéu, keeping their title hopes alive and drawing level with Barcelona at the top of the La Liga table.
Despite an early lead, Madrid found themselves trailing after conceding two quick goals. However, they bounced back in the second half, with Kylian Mbappé emerging as the hero with a brace, while Jude Bellingham also found the net.
With this win, Real Madrid now sits second with 63 points from 29 matches, tied with Barcelona, who have a game in hand. The Catalan side will have a chance to regain a three-point lead when they face Girona at home.
Match Recap
Real Madrid started aggressively, dominating possession in the opening 20 minutes but struggling to test the goalkeeper. Several close chances were wasted, including efforts from Luka Modrić and Brahim Díaz.
The breakthrough finally came in the 30th minute when Arda Güler was fouled inside the box, earning Madrid a penalty. Mbappé coolly converted with a Panenka-style finish.
However, Leganés responded immediately. Just a minute later, Diego García capitalized on a deflection to equalize. The visitors then shocked the Bernabéu in the 41st minute, as Dani Raba slotted home a low shot following a precise pass from Óscar Rodríguez.
Madrid came out firing in the second half, and within two minutes, Bellingham leveled the score. His initial shot was saved, but after Díaz’s effort was blocked on the line, the Englishman slid in to smash home the rebound.
Mbappé almost restored Madrid’s lead in the 53rd minute with a powerful strike from outside the box, but the goalkeeper tipped it onto the post.
Carlo Ancelotti then made attacking changes, bringing on Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo for Díaz and Güler. The move paid off as Madrid increased the pressure on Leganés.
In the 76th minute, Mbappé sealed the victory with a stunning free-kick from outside the box, taking his La Liga goal tally to 22 this season—just one behind top scorer Robert Lewandowski.
Leganés tried to mount a late challenge, with Juan Cruz testing goalkeeper Andriy Lunin from distance and Munir El Haddadi missing a header from close range. But Madrid held firm, securing their third consecutive league win and keeping the title race wide open.
