Real Madrid 1-2 Leganes - Player Ratings
Real Madrid hosted Leganes at Santiago Bernabeu for the second leg of their Copa del Rey quarter-finals tie. The match as a whole was very much a stale affair.
The first half saw Real Madrid create a few openings. They were the more dominant side, yet they never got into full flow. The chances they created were either saved heroically by Champagne or were off target. However, a mistake from youngster Achraf saw Eraso score for Leganes.
The second half saw Real Madrid starting with an intent. They were soon rewarded as Benzema finished from a tight angle. However, Real Madrid's joy was short-lived. Gabriel Pires headed the ball into the top corner to bring Leganes equal on the aggregate basis with an away goal advantage.
Thereon, Real Madrid huffed and puffed to force their way back into the game but unfortunately for them, Leganes' defense could not be breached.
Real Madrid
Kiko Casilla - 6.5/10
He had one of the busier days of his career between the posts. Leganes were threatening and they did break his resolve twice, with two sweetly struck strikes into the top corners. He could have done little about the goals after having undone by his defense.
Achraf Hakimi - 4/10
One of many Madrid players who could not perform to their full potential. He struggled in defense as Amrabat looked quite threatening on his side of the pitch. He did not contribute much to attack too apart from a few decent runs. His poor pass led to Eraso's goal.
Nacho Fernandez - 5/10
This was a poor game by the Spaniard. He made important tackles and interceptions but also showed signs of rustiness, especially in the first half. He was caught ball watching as Hakimi's pass was intercepted right in front of him.
Sergio Ramos - 6/10
Ramos had a decent game as he dominated and won everything that came his way in the air. He won headers, made blocks, and clearances while being a calm head in the heart of the Real Madrid's defence.
Theo Hernandez - 6.5/10
He did fairly well against El Zahr and defended well in general and was probably the best Madrid defender of the night. Offensively, he provided some amazing crosses which on any other day might have been turned into goals.
Marcos Llorente - 6.5/10
The Brazillian gave a good defensive display in the middle of the park as he won everything coming his way. He broke up plays and initiated attacks. However, he allowed himself to be physically outmuscled by Gabriel Pires for Leganes' second goal.
Isco - 6.5/10
Ever since last season, Isco has been one of Real Madrid's engine. Today was no different. He sprayed passes throughout the pitch and delivered tempting set pieces. However, it was just not enough to unlock Leganes' defense.
Mateo Kovacic - 5.5/10
Kovacic looked sharp in possession and enjoyed the ball at his feet. However, he just could not deliver the final ball quite as well as Madrid fans have been accustomed to. The X-factor was missing from his game and it did show in the final result.
Asensio - 5/10
This was again a game to forget for Asensio, who has often been touted as one of the best talents in world football. He struggled to cause too many problems and his final passes were poor. He failed to provide any end product as Zidane's side struggled to score.
Karim Benzema - 6/10
The Frenchman was the sole star in the lackluster Real Madrid attack. He often dropped deep to help his midfield and combined well with his teams mates. His finish for the goal was exquisite. However, he missed a very good opportunity late in the game as his shot was saved.
Lucas Vazquez - 5/10
Vazquez could not win the match for Real Madrid and his performance was not quite up to the standards he has set for himself. He missed a lot of opportunities to set up his teammates, and generally, his final deliveries were quite over-hit.
Substitutes
Dani Carvajal - 6/10
He was introduced in place of Kroos but he, for all his efforts, could not change the game in Madrid's favor.
Luka Modric - 7/10
Just like his substitute partner Carvajal, Modric's introduction could not sway the game in favor of Real Madrid. He rushed his passes towards the end of the game.
Borja Mayoral - 5.5/10
Brought on for Isco, his introduction meant Real were willing to go route-one, i.e, crosses into the box. He met a few of them well but just could not direct them goalwards.