Real Madrid secured a place in the Copa del Rey semi-finals with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Leganes, thanks to a last-gasp winner from 20-year-old Gonzalo Garcia.
The result extends Los Blancos’ strong away form in the competition, with six wins in their last seven matches.
Leganes, competing in the quarter-finals for only the second time in their history, started with intensity. Diego Garcia forced a sharp save from Andriy Lunin, while Valentin Rosier squandered a golden chance by firing over from close range.
Despite the early pressure, Real Madrid struck first in the 18th minute when Luka Modric tucked a brilliant finish beyond Juan Soriano after good work from Rodrygo out wide.
Seven minutes later, the visitors doubled their lead as Endrick capitalized on a loose ball in the box, sweeping it home from eight yards.
Refusing to back down, Leganes found a lifeline before halftime. Jacobo Ramon was penalized for blocking Juan Cruz’s goalbound effort with his hand, and Cruz converted the resulting penalty, finishing confidently into the bottom corner for his first goal since the start of November.
Carlo Ancelotti introduced Vinicius Junior at the break, and the Brazilian nearly made an immediate impact, only to be denied by Soriano. Federico Valverde and Endrick also missed opportunities, allowing Leganes to claw their way back into the contest.
Cruz struck again, latching onto Darko Brasanac’s cut-back before his low effort deflected past a helpless Lunin to make it 2-2. With the game finely poised, Real almost regained the lead when Brahim Diaz saw his delicate effort bounce off the crossbar.
Leganes remained dangerous, with Dani Raba testing Lunin from distance, but Real Madrid produced the decisive moment deep into stoppage time.
Diaz’s inviting delivery was perfect for substitute Garcia, who directed a brilliant header into the corner for his first senior goal for the club, sealing a dramatic victory and Real Madrid’s passage to the semi-finals.
