2025 Copa Del Rey: Leganes-Real Madrid Starting XIs

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Post on Feb 06, 2025

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2025 Copa del Rey: Leganés vs. Real Madrid – Predicted Starting XIs and Tactical Battleground

The 2025 Copa del Rey is shaping up to be a thrilling competition, and a potential clash between Leganés and Real Madrid promises to be a captivating encounter. This article delves into a predicted starting XI for both teams, analyzes their potential tactics, and explores the key battles that will define this intriguing match-up. While the exact lineups remain speculative until closer to the date, we can make informed predictions based on current form, player availability, and managerial styles.

Leganés' Predicted Starting XI (4-2-3-1)

Leganés, known for their resilient and organized approach, will likely employ a pragmatic 4-2-3-1 formation to frustrate Real Madrid's attacking prowess. Their starting XI might look like this:

• Goalkeeper: (Assuming a player like) Sergio Herrero – A dependable shot-stopper crucial for Leganés' defensive solidity.
• Defenders: (Predicted players like) Jonathan Silva (LB), Unai Medina (LCB), Rubén Pardo (RCB), Gorka Guruzeta (RB) – A mix of experienced and promising defenders focusing on tight marking and aerial dominance.
• Midfielders: (Predicted players like) José Arnáiz (CDM), Aitor Ruibal (CDM) – Providing defensive stability and the distribution to launch attacks.
• Attacking Midfielders: (Predicted players like) Iván Romero (LW), Arvin Appiah (CAM), Bryan Gil (RW) – A blend of pace, skill, and creativity to exploit spaces in Real Madrid's defense.
• Striker: (Predicted player like) Enric Gallego – A clinical finisher to lead the line and capitalize on any opportunities.

Leganés' Tactical Approach

Manager (name of potential manager) will likely instruct his team to focus on a compact defensive shape, aiming to stifle Real Madrid's midfield creativity and limit their attacking options. Expect a high press in the attacking third, forcing errors and winning back possession. Leganés will rely on quick counter-attacks, utilizing the pace of their wingers to exploit any gaps in Real Madrid's defense. Set-pieces will be a crucial aspect of their game plan, leveraging their physicality to create scoring chances.

Real Madrid's Predicted Starting XI (4-3-3)

Real Madrid, with their star-studded squad, will naturally favor a more attacking approach. Their predicted starting XI in a 4-3-3 formation could be:

• Goalkeeper: (Assuming a player like) Andriy Lunin – A capable goalkeeper providing a solid foundation for the defense.
• Defenders: (Predicted players like) Fran García (LB), David Alaba (LCB), Éder Militão (RCB), Dani Carvajal (RB) – A strong defensive line boasting a mix of experience and pace.
• Midfielders: (Predicted players like) Aurelien Tchouameni (CDM), Eduardo Camavinga (CM), Federico Valverde (CM) – Providing a blend of defensive stability, passing range, and attacking impetus.
• Forwards: (Predicted players like) Vinícius Júnior (LW), Jude Bellingham (CF), Rodrygo (RW) – Real Madrid's attacking trident, combining pace, skill, and clinical finishing.

Real Madrid's Tactical Approach

Carlo Ancelotti (or whoever is the manager in 2025) will likely deploy a possession-based style, aiming to dominate midfield and create chances through intricate passing sequences. The pace and skill of Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo will be key to stretching Leganés' defense, while Bellingham's presence in the center will provide a strong link between midfield and attack. Real Madrid's set-piece delivery will also be a significant threat. However, Ancelotti will need to ensure his team doesn't become complacent against a spirited Leganés side.

Key Battles to Watch

• Bellingham vs. Arnáiz/Ruibal: This midfield battle will be crucial. Bellingham's box-to-box dynamism will be tested by the defensive solidity of Arnáiz and Ruibal. The ability of Leganés' midfielders to disrupt Real Madrid's passing lanes will be vital.
• Vinícius Júnior vs. Guruzeta: This matchup will showcase pace versus strength. Guruzeta's defensive capabilities will be essential in containing Vinícius Júnior's dribbling prowess. Whether Guruzeta can keep the Brazilian winger quiet will significantly influence the game's flow.
• Gallego vs. Alaba/Militão: Gallego will test the defensive partnership of Alaba and Militão. His aerial ability and clinical finishing could cause problems for Real Madrid's backline. Real Madrid's center-backs will need to be alert and decisive in their challenges.

The Verdict

This Copa del Rey encounter presents a fascinating contrast in styles. Real Madrid's superior individual talent and tactical flexibility give them a clear advantage on paper. However, Leganés' organized defense and counter-attacking threat could cause a significant upset. The game's outcome will likely depend on Real Madrid's ability to break down Leganés' stubborn defense and Leganés' effectiveness in exploiting any defensive lapses from the more illustrious opponents. Expect a closely fought contest with plenty of drama and excitement. The outcome hinges not only on individual brilliance but also on tactical execution and the team's overall mental fortitude. A cup tie, unpredictable by nature, is certain to deliver a captivating spectacle for all involved. The atmosphere will be electric, fueled by the fervent support of both sets of fans. This promises to be a truly memorable match in the 2025 Copa del Rey.