Garcia Shines as Real Madrid Clinches Narrow Victory Over Leganes in Copa del Rey Drama

Real Madrid advanced to the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey following a thrilling last-minute winner from Gonzalo Garcia (20), clinching a 3-2 triumph over Leganes. This victory also highlighted Los Blancos’ remarkable away form, marked by six wins in their last seven outings in the tournament.

Participating in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals for only the second time in their history, Leganes burst out of the blocks with energy, as Diego Garcia was denied by Andriy Lunin and Valentin Rosier misfired from a promising position, sending his shot over the bar.

Thankful to still be level, Madrid struck against the run of play in the 18th minute when Luka Modric expertly finished past Juan Soriano, following a well-crafted move initiated by Rodrygo out wide.

With the momentum on their side, the visitors quickly extended their lead just seven minutes later, as Endrick reacted instinctively to a loose ball in the box, dispatching it into the net from close range.

However, Leganes remained determined to fight back and earned a crucial chance to reduce the deficit when Jacobo Ramon was penalised for handling a goalbound shot from Juan Cruz.

Cruz stepped up to take the penalty, coolly slotting it into the bottom corner for his first goal since November.

Carlo Ancelotti introduced Vinicius Junior at half-time, and the Brazilian nearly made an instant impact, seeing his powerful shot brilliantly saved by Soriano.

Despite further opportunities squandered by Federico Valverde and Endrick, Real Madrid fell victim to some misfortune as Cruz struck again, this time connecting with Darko Brasanac’s cut-back and seeing his low shot deflected past a stranded Lunin, bringing Leganes level.

This set the stage for a compelling final thirty minutes, with Real Madrid coming agonisingly close to retaking the lead when Brahim Diaz’s delicate chip struck the crossbar.

The hosts remained a threat as Dani Raba forced Lunin into a smart save from distance, but it was Real Madrid who ultimately found that crucial moment of quality deep into stoppage time.

Diaz delivered a pinpoint cross that found substitute Garcia, who rose to meet the ball with a superb header, directing it into the corner for his first senior goal for the club, securing Real’s place in the final four in dramatic style.