Gonzalo García Scores in Stoppage Time as Real Madrid Defeats Leganés in Copa del Rey

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Real Madrid faced Leganés in a dramatic Copa del Rey quarterfinal match at the Estadio Municipal de Butarque. The game was filled with twists, intense moments, and a last-minute victory for the visitors, secured by debutant Gonzalo García, who scored the decisive goal in stoppage time. Carlo Ancelotti’s team took the lead with goals from Luka Modric and Endrick but saw Leganés fight back to equalize with two goals from Juan Cruz. When extra time seemed inevitable, Brahim Díaz delivered a perfect cross to García, who rose above the defense and headed the ball into the net, sealing a 3-2 victory and Madrid’s spot in the semifinals.

The match started with Leganés pressing high, looking to surprise Real Madrid in their build-up play. The home side created early chances, including a long-range effort from Neyou that forced a save from Lunin. However, Madrid gradually took control, and in the 20th minute, Modric broke the deadlock with a powerful strike from the edge of the box. Endrick doubled the lead at the 35th minute, finishing a well-constructed play from the left flank.

Leganés responded with determination. Just before halftime, Juan Cruz converted a penalty won by De la Fuente, bringing the score to 2-1. The hosts continued their attacking intent in the second half and leveled the match at the 60th minute, with Cruz again capitalizing on a defensive miscue inside the box.

Leganés’ Comeback and Madrid’s Control Attempt

The equalizer revitalized Leganés, who kept pushing forward, while Real Madrid attempted to regain control. The introduction of Vinicius Jr. in the second half added speed and directness to Madrid’s attack, with the Brazilian attempting dribbles and testing the goalkeeper. Federico Valverde nearly restored Madrid’s lead in the 75th minute with a long-range shot that narrowly missed the post.

The home side remained dangerous, with Dani Raba forcing Lunin into a crucial save from a long-distance shot. At the other end, Ceballos wasted a golden opportunity after a rebound off goalkeeper Soriano. Madrid began prioritizing possession in the closing minutes, searching for an opening to seal the win without going into extra time.

Gonzalo García’s Last-Minute Winner

As the game entered stoppage time, Real Madrid intensified their offensive efforts. In the dying moments, Brahim Díaz received the ball on the right flank, surged forward, and whipped in a precise cross for Gonzalo García. The debutant striker timed his jump perfectly, heading the ball into the net to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory and send Madrid to the Copa del Rey semifinals.

Key Performers of the Match

  • Gonzalo García: The debutant secured Madrid’s win with a stoppage-time goal.
  • Luka Modric: Provided leadership in midfield and scored the opening goal.
  • Endrick: Scored his first Copa del Rey goal, showing promise in attack.
  • Juan Cruz: Scored both goals for Leganés, one from a penalty and another from a set piece.
  • Brahim Díaz: Assisted the game-winning goal with a perfect cross.

Match Statistics

  • Possession: Real Madrid 58% x 42% Leganés
  • Shots: Real Madrid 12 x 9 Leganés
  • Shots on Target: Real Madrid 7 x 4 Leganés
  • Corners: Real Madrid 5 x 3 Leganés
  • Fouls Committed: Real Madrid 8 x 10 Leganés

Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey Performance

  • Previous Round: Madrid defeated Celta de Vigo 5-2 in the Round of 16.
  • Total Goals Scored in the Tournament: 10 goals in the current edition.
  • Top Contributors: Rodrygo and Modric with key attacking performances.

Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey History

  • The club has won 20 Copa del Rey titles, making them the second-most successful team in the tournament.
  • Their last title came in 2022-23, defeating Osasuna in the final.
  • Their longest winning streak in the tournament was between 1905 and 1908, securing four consecutive titles.

Upcoming Challenges for Real Madrid

  • LaLiga: Madrid faces Girona in a crucial match for the league title race.
  • UEFA Champions League: They are set to play RB Leipzig in the Round of 16.
  • Copa del Rey Semifinals: Opponent to be determined in the draw.

Interesting Facts About the Match

  • This match marked Gonzalo García’s first senior appearance for Real Madrid.
  • Endrick became the youngest Brazilian to score in the Copa del Rey for Real Madrid.
  • Luka Modric has now scored in three different Copa del Rey editions.
  • Leganés reached the Copa del Rey quarterfinals for the first time since 2017-18.
  • The game was played in front of 12,450 fans, with strong Madridista support at Butarque.

Memorable Moments in Real Madrid’s Recent Copa del Rey History

  • 2011 Final: Victory over Barcelona with Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic header in extra time.
  • 2014 Final: Gareth Bale’s stunning solo goal against Barcelona at Mestalla.
  • 2023 Final: Triumph over Osasuna, with Vinicius Jr. playing a crucial role.

Leganés’ Copa del Rey Journey

  • The club’s best-ever Copa del Rey run was in 2017-18, when they eliminated Real Madrid in the quarterfinals and reached the semifinals.
  • In this campaign, they knocked out Almería and Celta de Vigo before falling to Madrid.
  • Coach Borja Jiménez opted for a more offensive approach in hopes of shocking the Spanish giants.

Endrick’s Progress at Real Madrid

  • Expected to officially join Madrid in July 2024.
  • Scored 6 goals in 10 appearances for Palmeiras before his move.
  • Was one of the standout players in the Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior, attracting European attention.

Real Madrid Stays on Course for Another Trophy

Real Madrid remains on track to add another trophy to their collection, demonstrating resilience in both domestic and international competitions. With their spot secured in the Copa del Rey semifinals, they now shift focus to LaLiga and the Champions League. Carlo Ancelotti’s squad continues to showcase depth and adaptability, overcoming challenges despite key player absences. Madrid fans remain excited and confident about the upcoming fixtures.



Real Madrid faced Leganés in a dramatic Copa del Rey quarterfinal match at the Estadio Municipal de Butarque. The game was filled with twists, intense moments, and a last-minute victory for the visitors, secured by debutant Gonzalo García, who scored the decisive goal in stoppage time. Carlo Ancelotti’s team took the lead with goals from Luka Modric and Endrick but saw Leganés fight back to equalize with two goals from Juan Cruz. When extra time seemed inevitable, Brahim Díaz delivered a perfect cross to García, who rose above the defense and headed the ball into the net, sealing a 3-2 victory and Madrid’s spot in the semifinals.

The match started with Leganés pressing high, looking to surprise Real Madrid in their build-up play. The home side created early chances, including a long-range effort from Neyou that forced a save from Lunin. However, Madrid gradually took control, and in the 20th minute, Modric broke the deadlock with a powerful strike from the edge of the box. Endrick doubled the lead at the 35th minute, finishing a well-constructed play from the left flank.

Leganés responded with determination. Just before halftime, Juan Cruz converted a penalty won by De la Fuente, bringing the score to 2-1. The hosts continued their attacking intent in the second half and leveled the match at the 60th minute, with Cruz again capitalizing on a defensive miscue inside the box.

Leganés’ Comeback and Madrid’s Control Attempt

The equalizer revitalized Leganés, who kept pushing forward, while Real Madrid attempted to regain control. The introduction of Vinicius Jr. in the second half added speed and directness to Madrid’s attack, with the Brazilian attempting dribbles and testing the goalkeeper. Federico Valverde nearly restored Madrid’s lead in the 75th minute with a long-range shot that narrowly missed the post.

The home side remained dangerous, with Dani Raba forcing Lunin into a crucial save from a long-distance shot. At the other end, Ceballos wasted a golden opportunity after a rebound off goalkeeper Soriano. Madrid began prioritizing possession in the closing minutes, searching for an opening to seal the win without going into extra time.

Gonzalo García’s Last-Minute Winner

As the game entered stoppage time, Real Madrid intensified their offensive efforts. In the dying moments, Brahim Díaz received the ball on the right flank, surged forward, and whipped in a precise cross for Gonzalo García. The debutant striker timed his jump perfectly, heading the ball into the net to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory and send Madrid to the Copa del Rey semifinals.

Key Performers of the Match

  • Gonzalo García: The debutant secured Madrid’s win with a stoppage-time goal.
  • Luka Modric: Provided leadership in midfield and scored the opening goal.
  • Endrick: Scored his first Copa del Rey goal, showing promise in attack.
  • Juan Cruz: Scored both goals for Leganés, one from a penalty and another from a set piece.
  • Brahim Díaz: Assisted the game-winning goal with a perfect cross.

Match Statistics

  • Possession: Real Madrid 58% x 42% Leganés
  • Shots: Real Madrid 12 x 9 Leganés
  • Shots on Target: Real Madrid 7 x 4 Leganés
  • Corners: Real Madrid 5 x 3 Leganés
  • Fouls Committed: Real Madrid 8 x 10 Leganés

Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey Performance

  • Previous Round: Madrid defeated Celta de Vigo 5-2 in the Round of 16.
  • Total Goals Scored in the Tournament: 10 goals in the current edition.
  • Top Contributors: Rodrygo and Modric with key attacking performances.

Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey History

  • The club has won 20 Copa del Rey titles, making them the second-most successful team in the tournament.
  • Their last title came in 2022-23, defeating Osasuna in the final.
  • Their longest winning streak in the tournament was between 1905 and 1908, securing four consecutive titles.

Upcoming Challenges for Real Madrid

  • LaLiga: Madrid faces Girona in a crucial match for the league title race.
  • UEFA Champions League: They are set to play RB Leipzig in the Round of 16.
  • Copa del Rey Semifinals: Opponent to be determined in the draw.

Interesting Facts About the Match

  • This match marked Gonzalo García’s first senior appearance for Real Madrid.
  • Endrick became the youngest Brazilian to score in the Copa del Rey for Real Madrid.
  • Luka Modric has now scored in three different Copa del Rey editions.
  • Leganés reached the Copa del Rey quarterfinals for the first time since 2017-18.
  • The game was played in front of 12,450 fans, with strong Madridista support at Butarque.

Memorable Moments in Real Madrid’s Recent Copa del Rey History

  • 2011 Final: Victory over Barcelona with Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic header in extra time.
  • 2014 Final: Gareth Bale’s stunning solo goal against Barcelona at Mestalla.
  • 2023 Final: Triumph over Osasuna, with Vinicius Jr. playing a crucial role.

Leganés’ Copa del Rey Journey

  • The club’s best-ever Copa del Rey run was in 2017-18, when they eliminated Real Madrid in the quarterfinals and reached the semifinals.
  • In this campaign, they knocked out Almería and Celta de Vigo before falling to Madrid.
  • Coach Borja Jiménez opted for a more offensive approach in hopes of shocking the Spanish giants.

Endrick’s Progress at Real Madrid

  • Expected to officially join Madrid in July 2024.
  • Scored 6 goals in 10 appearances for Palmeiras before his move.
  • Was one of the standout players in the Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior, attracting European attention.

Real Madrid Stays on Course for Another Trophy

Real Madrid remains on track to add another trophy to their collection, demonstrating resilience in both domestic and international competitions. With their spot secured in the Copa del Rey semifinals, they now shift focus to LaLiga and the Champions League. Carlo Ancelotti’s squad continues to showcase depth and adaptability, overcoming challenges despite key player absences. Madrid fans remain excited and confident about the upcoming fixtures.



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