In a match that felt more like a training session than a fiery La Liga clash, Real Madrid secured a 3-0 victory over Leganes. The headlines may highlight Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham getting on the scoresheet, but the real star of the show was Arda Guler, the teenage Turkish sensation who made a strong case for a regular starting role.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side played in second gear for much of the game but capitalized on moments of individual brilliance to maintain their La Liga momentum ahead of a crucial Champions League fixture at Anfield.
A Tale of Two Halves: Madrid’s Performance Breakdown
Madrid’s win might look commanding on paper, but their performance told a different story. The first half saw Vinicius Jr., Mbappe, and Guler struggle to break down a stubborn Leganes defense. An early disallowed goal for offside served as a wake-up call, and it was Guler’s creativity that began to unlock the hosts’ backline.
First Goal: In the 32nd minute, a tackle from Bellingham allowed Vinicius to pick up a loose ball and square it for Mbappe, who tapped home with ease.
Madrid carried their slim lead into the break but lacked fluidity in attack and defensive organization, which could have been punished by a more clinical opponent.
Second-Half Spark
The second half saw Madrid improve marginally. Federico Valverde doubled the lead with a sublime free-kick in the 53rd minute, striking low into the corner past a helpless goalkeeper.
However, it wasn’t until Jude Bellingham added the third in the dying moments—heading in after a deflected Brahim Diaz shot—that Madrid could truly breathe easy.
Arda Guler: The Game-Changer
The spotlight firmly belongs to Arda Guler, whose elegant touches, sharp passing, and positional awareness stood out throughout the match. Guler orchestrated Madrid’s attacks with finesse, leaving fans clamoring for the teenager to become a fixture in Ancelotti’s lineup.
His 8/10 performance overshadowed Mbappe’s somewhat lackluster showing, proving that Los Blancos’ midfield has a new magician in the making.
Player Ratings
- Thibaut Courtois (6/10): Barely tested but claimed a few crosses confidently.
- Federico Valverde (7/10): Energetic on both ends; his free-kick was a highlight.
- Arda Guler (8/10): Controlled the game with his creativity and energy.
- Jude Bellingham (8/10): Exceptional work rate, capped off with a late goal.
- Kylian Mbappe (5/10): Scored but looked off-pace and defensively absent.
- Vinicius Jr. (7/10): Rebounded from a slow start to register a key assist.
What This Means for Real Madrid
The win solidifies Madrid’s position in La Liga’s title race, but it also raises questions about the team’s consistency. Against a stronger side, their moments of complacency might have been costly. With Liverpool awaiting in the Champions League, Madrid must sharpen their collective performance.
FAQs
Arda Guler was the standout player, dazzling in midfield with his creativity and control.
Mbappe scored the opening goal but was largely underwhelming in both attack and defense.
Madrid travels to Anfield midweek for a high-stakes Champions League clash against Liverpool.
Conclusion
Real Madrid’s 3-0 win over Leganes showcased both the team’s immense individual talent and lingering vulnerabilities. While Arda Guler shone brightly, the overall team effort left much to be desired. With Liverpool looming, Madrid fans will hope for a more polished performance on the European stage.
For now, Madrid’s depth and star power remain their saving grace, but they can’t afford to rely solely on moments of brilliance.
