When two football clubs from Spain’s La Liga face off, the energy and excitement are palpable, but few encounters are as intriguing as the match between CD Leganés and Real Madrid. While Real Madrid is one of the biggest football clubs in the world, boasting a rich history filled with trophies, CD Leganés is a club that has worked its way into the hearts of many with its underdog spirit and exciting style of play. Their matchups in La Liga represent a clash of giants against the determined minnows.
This article delves into the history, current context, tactics, key players, and fan experience of CD Leganés vs Real Madrid, answering the burning questions fans have about this rivalry. Whether you’re a Real Madrid enthusiast, a Leganés supporter, or a neutral fan, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know about one of Spain’s most exciting football fixtures.
CD Leganés: The Underdog with Heart
Founded in 1928, Club Deportivo Leganés is a football club based in Leganés, a town just south of Madrid. Historically, Leganés has been a club that spent much of its existence in Spain’s lower divisions. However, their promotion to La Liga in 2016 marked a significant milestone for the club. Since their promotion, Leganés has established itself as a competitive force in La Liga, maintaining its place in Spain’s top division for multiple seasons.
Despite being in the shadow of bigger clubs in Madrid, Leganés is known for its resilience, spirited performances, and the fierce passion of its fans. Their home ground, Estadio Butarque, while modest compared to the massive stadiums of clubs like Real Madrid, has become known for its vibrant atmosphere, especially during matchups against the big names in La Liga.
Real Madrid: The Giants of European Football
Founded in 1902, Real Madrid is a club with a global following, boasting an illustrious history filled with domestic and international success. With 13 UEFA Champions League titles, 34 La Liga titles, and numerous other trophies, Real Madrid is widely regarded as one of the greatest football clubs in the history of the sport.
The team’s rich history, legendary players, and millions of passionate fans worldwide make Real Madrid a towering force in world football. The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid, one of the most famous stadiums globally, is the heart of the club, where they regularly compete for the highest honors in domestic and international football.
The Matchups: CD Leganés vs Real Madrid
When Leganés first met Real Madrid in La Liga during the 2016-17 season, the match was anticipated as a David vs. Goliath encounter. Real Madrid, fresh off winning the 2016 Champions League, was at the top of their game, while Leganés, newly promoted, was making their mark in Spain’s top division.
The first game, played at the Santiago Bernabéu in September 2016, ended in a 2-1 victory for Real Madrid, as expected. However, the match also revealed the fighting spirit of Leganés, who managed to score a goal and gave Madrid a challenge, despite the odds being stacked against them.
In subsequent seasons, while Real Madrid continued to dominate the head-to-head record, Leganés proved that they were not a team to be taken lightly. Their matches against Real Madrid often showcased a high level of intensity, with Leganés determined to give their more prestigious opponents a run for their money.
Memorable Encounters: The Surprising Upsets
One of the most memorable encounters between the two clubs came in 2018, when CD Leganés shocked the footballing world by defeating Real Madrid 2-1 in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals. It was Real Madrid’s first-ever defeat to Leganés in competitive football. It highlighted the unpredictable nature of the Copa del Rey, where smaller clubs can knock out giants.
The match showed Leganés’ ability to play with grit and determination, even against the best. Leganés’ victory over Real Madrid marked a high point in their history, creating a legacy-defining moment for the club’s fans and players. Real Madrid, despite their superior squad, couldn’t handle Leganés’ intensity and tactical discipline, which resulted in an incredible upset.
Recent Encounters and Current Form
As of the 2024-25 season, Real Madrid and Leganés have faced off multiple times since their initial meeting in 2016, with Real Madrid continuing to hold the upper hand in the majority of encounters. However, Leganés remains a club that can be dangerous, especially at home, where they have often made life difficult for their bigger rivals.
In the 2023-24 season, Real Madrid secured a comfortable 3-0 win at home against Leganés. However, when the two sides met at Estadio Butarque, the match ended in a 1-1 draw, with Leganés proving resilient on their home turf. This result was emblematic of their ability to challenge big teams despite being outclassed on paper.
CD Leganés: The Underdog Heroes
While Leganés doesn’t have the star power of Real Madrid, they have players capable of making an impact against top-tier teams. Here are some key players to watch:
Aitor Ruibal – A talented winger known for his speed and creativity, Ruibal is one of Leganés’ primary attacking threats. His dribbling and ability to provide key passes make him a dangerous player, especially in counter-attacking situations.
José Ángel Esmorís Tasende (‘Angeliño’) – The left-back has experience playing for high-profile clubs, and his defensive solidity combined with offensive runs makes him a crucial player for Leganés, especially in big matches against clubs like Real Madrid.
Yacine Bammou – A strong forward who has the ability to hold up play and bring others into the attack. His aerial ability and physicality in the box could cause problems for Real Madrid’s defense.
Iván ‘Titi’ Rodríguez – The captain and midfield engine of the team. Titi is the heart of Leganés’ midfield, providing balance between defensive solidity and offensive creativity. His leadership is invaluable in tough matches.
Real Madrid: The Galácticos
Real Madrid has no shortage of world-class talent, and their roster in 2025 is filled with footballing legends and emerging stars. Here are some key players who could make an impact in the Leganés vs Real Madrid encounter:
Karim Benzema – The French striker has been a stalwart for Real Madrid for over a decade. Benzema’s vision, hold-up play, and clinical finishing make him a constant threat in front of goal. As the leader of the attack, he will undoubtedly be a key player against Leganés.
Vinícius Júnior – The young Brazilian winger has become one of the most exciting players in the world. Known for his pace, dribbling, and ability to score crucial goals, Vinícius is a player Leganés will need to watch closely. His ability to break down defenses with his speed makes him a major threat in the match.
Luka Modrić – The Croatian maestro continues to control the tempo in the midfield for Real Madrid. His passing range and vision allow Real Madrid to dominate possession, and he remains an essential figure in big games.
Thibaut Courtois – Real Madrid’s shot-stopper is one of the best goalkeepers in the world. His ability to make crucial saves under pressure will be vital, especially when Leganés looks to break on the counter.
Eduardo Camavinga – The young Frenchman is a rising star in Real Madrid’s midfield. His versatility, energy, and composure make him a key asset for the team. His performance in the 2024-25 season will be critical for Madrid’s success.
CD Leganés: Solid Defense, Fast Counter-Attacks
Under their coach, Iraola, Leganés is known for their structured and disciplined defense. They focus on staying compact and resilient, often defending with a low block and then breaking quickly on the counter-attack. Their style of play is designed to frustrate high-possession teams like Real Madrid, with quick transitions being key to their attacking strategy.
The key to success for Leganés in these matchups is to absorb pressure and take advantage of the space left by Real Madrid on the counter. With players like Aitor Ruibal and Yacine Bammou, Leganés can create quick transitions that could put Real Madrid’s defense under pressure.
Real Madrid: Possession Dominance, Attacking Flair
Real Madrid, on the other hand, tends to dominate possession and control the tempo of the game. Their ability to break down opposition defenses through quick passing and movement makes them dangerous in attacking situations. The pace of Vinícius Júnior and the playmaking ability of Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos provide Real Madrid with numerous options in attack. In these encounters, Madrid’s challenge is breaking down the disciplined defense of Leganés while being cautious of their quick counter-attacks. Expect Real Madrid to control possession and look for attacking spaces, while Leganés will attempt to hit them on the break.
FAQs
How many times has CD Leganés beaten Real Madrid?
As of the latest encounters, CD Leganés has managed to defeat Real Madrid twice in their history in La Liga. Their most famous victory was in the 2018/19 season when they won 2-1 at the Bernabéu, and a 1-0 win in the 2017/18 Copa del Rey was another key moment for the club.
What is Real Madrid’s win rate against CD Leganés?
Real Madrid has won the majority of their La Liga matches against CD Leganés. Their win rate stands at approximately 80%, with only a few losses and draws. Leganés has been a challenging opponent, especially in matches played at their home stadium, but Real Madrid’s overall dominance is evident.
How many goals have CD Leganés and Real Madrid scored against each other?
In terms of total goals, Real Madrid has scored a significant number more than CD Leganés. Real Madrid typically wins these matches with a high-scoring margin, but Leganés has managed to get some goals on the board, especially in their shock victories. For instance, in their 2-1 victory at the Bernabéu in 2019, Leganés scored two goals, while Real Madrid managed one.
What are the recent stats for CD Leganés vs Real Madrid matches?
In their most recent encounters, Real Madrid has continued their strong performance, but Leganés has occasionally put up a fight. For example, their last match (if considered from the 2023/2024 season) was closely contested, and Real Madrid managed to edge out a victory. Typically, the scoreline in recent games has favored Real Madrid, with the exception of a few surprising results for Leganés.
Who are the top goal scorers in CD Leganés vs Real Madrid matchups?
Cristiano Ronaldo is the all-time top scorer for Real Madrid in this fixture, having scored multiple goals over the years. For CD Leganés, the most notable scorer has been their forward, who netted a crucial goal in their famous win over Real Madrid in 2019. While the number of goals is skewed towards Real Madrid’s players, Leganés has had standout performances from their key forwards.
In Summary
The CD Leganés vs Real Madrid matchups are a beautiful reflection of football’s unpredictability, where smaller clubs can take on giants, often creating unforgettable moments. While Real Madrid will always be the favorite, Leganés’ heart, resilience, and tactical discipline make these encounters thrilling. As both teams continue to evolve, the intensity and excitement of this La Liga fixture will continue to captivate fans of all backgrounds.
For Leganés, matches against Real Madrid are a chance to prove their worth on the big stage. For Real Madrid, these encounters are an opportunity to extend their dominance in Spanish football while enjoying the fierce competition that La Liga offers. Regardless of the result, CD Leganés vs Real Madrid will always be a fixture full of excitement and passion.
To read more, Click Here .
