Brave Leganes relegated after Real Madrid draw

Leganes have been relegated from La Liga after failing to beat Real Madrid at the Butarque stadium. They drew 2-2, but they went down with tremendous fight and had they played like this for most of the season, they would have easily stayed up. Sergio Ramos put Madrid ahead after nine minutes, but Bryan Gil levelled for the hosts just before half-time. Marco Asensio looked to have sealed Leganes' fate in the 52nd minute, but once Assale levelled 12 minutes from time, Leganes were the much better side.

'Los Pepineros' knew they had to win the game and hoped Celta Vigo failed to win at Espanyol. Leganes had three or four opportunities to win the game and a VAR check for handball by Luka Jovic went against them. Celta's 0-0 draw meant had Leganes won, they would have survived. 

Federico Valverde had the first chance when he tested Cuellar from 25 yards in the sixth minute, but three minutes later, Real Madrid took the lead. Isco's free-kick was headed in by Sergio Ramos and Leganes needed two goals. Javier Aguirre's men were trying, but lacked the killer touch to score. They were only able to muster a couple of half chances through Gil and Recio, but they were both simple for stand in keeper Areola. 

Ruibal hit wide from 30 yards while Asensio failed to hit the target after a pass by Mendy in the closing minutes of the half. Leganes were having a go, but Real Madrid were comfortable until just before half-time. 

Leganes levelled things up after a long pass found Jonathan Silva who then crossed for Bryan Gil who took a touch before firing through Areola's legs to make it 1-1. At the same time, Celta Vigo fell behind at Espanyol, but then the VAR disallowed it after the ball had struck the referee. However, Leganes knew they only needed one more goal to stay up. 

 

July 19, 2020

In the second half, Real Madrid started the better and it looked curtains for Leganes when Asensio made it 1-2. Guerrero headed the ball straight to Isco who played in Asensio and he made no mistake past Cuellar. 

Leganes threw people forward and subsititutes Oscar Rodriguez looked the most dangerous for the home team. Oscar could have scored twice in the 69th and 73rd minutes, but he was denied by Areola, but 12 minutes from time, Leganes got their deserved reward. Jonathan Silva passed to Jonathan Silva, Militao did not reach with his outstretched leg and Assale scored to make it 2-2. 

That gave Leganes renewed hope and Aviles fired a cross wide of the post. Real Madrid got their chances on the counter, but Brahim Diaz could not take advantage. Leganes sent people forward and Aviles had another effort while Madrid were hanging on. 

There was a moment of controversy in the 85th minute when the ball struck Luka Jovic on the arm. A penalty could have been awarded, but it was not and the VAR confirmed the on-field call after a check. Then, despite having multiple corners and even sending the goalie up, Leganes were unable to find a winner. When Oscar fired over from just outside the box in the last minute of stoppage time, Leganes knew they were relegated after four seasons in the top flight, but they won the praise of many neutrals.