Real Madrid reduced the gap to league leaders Barcelona to four points with a commanding 3-0 win over Leganés in La Liga’s 14th round. Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring in the 43rd minute. Federico Valverde, playing as a right-back and captaining the team for the very first time, doubled the lead in the 66th minute with a well-taken free kick, and Jude Bellingham completed the scoring in the 85th minute with a fortunate finish.
🗣️ Fede Valverde: “Today I fulfilled a dream by wearing the captain’s armband. It’s an honor.” pic.twitter.com/nlWohDWgrI
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) November 24, 2024
The match marked Real Madrid’s return to action following the international break, serving as preparation for their crucial Champions League clash against Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday. Manager Carlo Ancelotti had to rely on bench players like Dani Ceballos and Arda Guler due to the multiple injuries within the squad. However, the return of first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois after a month-long injury layoff was a positive development.
Before kick-off, the entire Real Madrid team expressed solidarity with injured teammate Eder Militao, who recently underwent surgery on his knee. Post-match, Mbappe reflected on his performance and versatility, stating, “I can play in every position and I’m ready to help the team and give my all. It’s the story of my career – on the right, on the left, in the middle, or with two up top, it doesn’t matter. I want to help the team and score goals.”