Madrid fall to defeat in Butarque but advance on aggregate

Given that visitors Madrid held a commanding 3-0 lead heading into this second leg round of 16 tie, many would be forgiven for thinking that Wednesday's match was a mere formality for 'Los Blancos' to navigate. And, for the opening twenty minutes or so, it seemed that both sets of players also had this belief instilled within them. Neither penalty area saw much action, aside from brief exchanges of possession between members of the respective defensive lines. 

Nevertheless, as the clock ticked closer to the half hour mark, home side Leganes appeared to spring into life. Maurico Pellegrino's side enjoyed a flurry of chances on the Real Madrid goal. First, a series of far post crosses were repeatedly attacked by Gumbau, but the offensive midfielder would be beaten to the ball each time by young full back Reguilon. Still, having garnered some encouragement from causing spells of chaos in the Madrid box, Leganes continue to push for the opener. Merino would go very close soon after, but in spite of rising highest in the box to get his head on a deep cross, the midfielder could only steer the ball wide of the target. 

So, having weathered a storm from the home side, Madrid nearly replied by evoking memories of old. Solari's side stood firm under the home press, and then took advantage of a loose ball to counter attack and have a chance at goal themselves. On a rare start for 'Los Blancos', Isco was presented with a perfect opportunity to stake his case, by putting his side ahead. However, rather unfortunately for the Spaniard, his indecision on the ball gave a covering defender time to reach him in the box, and thus his shot was blocked well away from goal. 

It was after this, with just minutes to go until the interval, that Leganes would give themselves an unlikely chance of continuing their Copa del Rey journey. Again, a cross into the box proved difficult for the visiting defence to deal with; and while Braithwaite's header was deflected onto the post, the forward was the quickest to react to the rebound, to prod into an empty net and give his side the opener. 

The remainder of the first half threatened a true fight back from Leganes, as they bombarded the Madrid box in search of a second goal. Yet it was not meant to be, as the hosts could not add to their narrow lead before the break.

After the interval, it appeared that Santiago Solari had issued his Madrid players with a stern talking to, as his side immediately took control of proceedings. Unlike their timid first half performance; Madrid took control of possession, dominating the ball in the Leganes half, and barely allowing their hosts to escape their own penalty area. 

However, in spite of such dominance, the visitors rarely threatened to score all evening. The best chance for them came at the very end of the match, when substitute Brahim Diaz chipped on-rushing keeper Cuellar in the box, but saw his effort strike the base of the upright.

In contrast, Leganes looked a constant threat in the Madrid area, as a makeshift back line struggled to cope with such a well drilled forward offensive.  But for an inspired display from keeper Keylor Navas, Madrid's first leg lead could have easily been eradicated. Yet as it was, the Costa Rican international made a series of saves on multiple occasions, to deny Braithwaite and co another goal, and thus preserve 'Los Blancos' two goal cushion. 

Madrid would advance to the next round.

Overall, the tie will not be remembered as a classic, but Leganes can count themselves unlucky that they did not at least push Madrid to extra time or penalties, given the amount of chances that they created across the two matches. Nevertheless, football is all about the final score line, and just as well for Solari's stuttering side, who progress to the next round of the cup after an almighty test.