Predicted Real Madrid XI: Leganes Copa Clash

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Post on Feb 06, 2025

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Predicted Real Madrid XI: Leganés Copa Clash

Real Madrid faces Leganés in the Copa del Rey, and while the competition might be considered secondary to La Liga and the Champions League, Carlo Ancelotti will still field a strong squad aiming for victory. This match presents an opportunity for squad rotation and giving playing time to players who haven't featured as prominently in recent weeks. Let's delve into a predicted starting XI for this crucial Copa del Rey encounter.

Predicting Ancelotti's Starting Lineup

Ancelotti is known for his tactical flexibility, but certain players seem likely to get a start against Leganés. The manager will likely balance experience with the need to give fringe players valuable minutes.

Goalkeeper:

• Andriy Lunin: With Thibaut Courtois likely rested for La Liga and Champions League commitments, Lunin should get the nod. This is a chance for him to prove his worth and showcase his abilities to the manager.

Defenders:

• Dani Carvajal: A likely starter at right-back, offering experience and defensive solidity.
• Éder Militão: A central defensive position likely filled by Militão, offering pace and strength.
• Nacho Fernández: A versatile defender who can slot in centrally or at left-back. His experience will be valuable.
• Fran García: Given the potential rest for other players, García could start at left-back, providing attacking impetus from the flank.

Midfielders:

• Aurelien Tchouaméni: A crucial part of the midfield, offering defensive stability and ball distribution.
• Eduardo Camavinga: Camavinga’s dynamism and energy in midfield will be key to controlling the tempo.
• Fede Valverde: Valverde's box-to-box abilities could be utilized to offer both defensive and attacking contributions.

Forwards:

• Rodrygo Goes: Rodrygo’s pace and attacking flair make him a likely starter, providing a threat on the wing.
• Karim Benzema: While needing rest, Benzema might feature for a portion of the game, depending on his fitness. He brings valuable experience and goal-scoring ability.
• Marco Asensio: Could start to provide width and attacking options from the wing.

Potential Substitutes and Tactical Flexibility

Ancelotti has a wealth of talent to choose from on the bench. Expect to see players like Luka Modrić, Toni Kroos, and Vinícius Júnior used as substitutes to manage game time and maintain squad freshness. The tactical approach might see a shift depending on the flow of the game, potentially switching to a more attacking or defensive formation depending on Leganés' strategy.

Key Battlegrounds and Tactical Considerations

The key battleground will likely be in midfield, where Real Madrid needs to control possession and dictate the tempo. Leganés will likely employ a defensive strategy, making it crucial for Real Madrid to break them down patiently and exploit any defensive weaknesses. Set-pieces could also play a significant role, with Real Madrid's superior height potentially offering an advantage.

Conclusion: A Strong Squad to Secure Victory

While a rotated squad, this Real Madrid XI possesses the quality and experience to secure a comfortable victory against Leganés. The Copa del Rey presents an opportunity to build momentum and give valuable minutes to players needing game time, ultimately contributing to the overall strength and depth of the squad. The match will be an interesting test for the less frequently used players and a chance for Ancelotti to assess their capabilities in a competitive setting.