Asencio, Guler start in a 4-2-3-1 – How Real Madrid can line up against Leganes | OneFootball

Real Madrid will be aiming to secure their spot in the semi-finals of the 2024/25 Copa del Rey when they take on minnows CD Leganes in the quarter-finals on Wednesday night.

The reigning Spanish champions began their cup journey with a straightforward win against Deportiva Minera last month before securing a hard-fought extra-time victory over Celta Vigo in the previous round.

A tie against Leganes, away at Estadio Municipal de Butarque, will not be as easy as it seems, especially with Real Madrid dealing with the absences of several key players.

Indeed, Los Blancos go into the game tomorrow on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Espanyol and will be without key players like Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba, Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal, and Eduardo Camavinga.

Naturally, Carlo Ancelotti & co. will have their task cut out as they aim to progress in the competition while also hoping to build momentum ahead of the weekend’s La Liga derby against Atletico Madrid.

As such, here’s how Ancelotti is likely to set his team up against Leganes tomorrow night in the cup quarter-finals.

Defence

Thibaut Courtois has been left out of the squad by Ancelotti, with the Real Madrid No. 1 being given a rest. It means that Andriy Lunin becomes the obvious starter in goal against Leganes at Estadio Butarque.

As mentioned above, Los Blancos are without several key defensive personnel, with Rudiger and Alaba becoming the latest injury victims.

As such, youngster Raul Asencio is set for a start in his natural centre-back position, where he will likely be partnered by makeshift option Aurelien Tchouameni. There will likely be minutes off the bench for young Jacobo Ramon.

Set to start at centre-back. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Lucas Vazquez picks himself at right-back in Carvajal’s absence while Ferland Mendy is expected to replace Fran Garcia at left-back.

Midfield

Federico Valverde has been a permanent fixture in the midfield department for Real Madrid under Ancelotti. But considering the injury woes in the squad and the upcoming derby against Atletico Madrid, it would make sense for the Uruguayan to be protected tomorrow.

It could pave the way for club captain Luka Modric to start as part of the double pivot alongside Dani Ceballos, who has been in good nick in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham’s absence due to a knock should clear the path for young Arda Guler to get a rare starting opportunity for Real Madrid as the attacking midfielder.

The Turkish prodigy has shown that he can be a difference-maker when given a chance and must make the most of it tomorrow.

Attack

Apart from Bellingham, Real Madrid are also without star forward Kylian Mbappe for the game. In his absence, Rodrygo Goes should occupy a central role in the frontline against Leganes on Wednesday.

Vinicius Jr., who did not train with the squad today but is available for selection, should continue on the left flank as per usual. Brahim Diaz will be called up to fill the final slot in the attacking unit for Los Merengues.