Wed Feb 05 19:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Real Madrid Faces Leganés in Copa del Rey Quarter-Final with Rotated Squad

**MADRID** – Real Madrid will face Leganés in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals tonight, with manager Carlo Ancelotti expected to field a heavily rotated squad. The match holds less priority than upcoming crucial fixtures against Atlético Madrid and Manchester City, but a place in the semi-finals is still within reach.

Key players like Thibaut Courtois, Jude Bellingham, and Kylian Mbappé are absent from the squad, with eight players from the reserve team called up. Ancelotti aims to rest key players ahead of the crucial La Liga and Champions League encounters. David Alaba’s injury further complicates matters, leaving the defense patched up with players like Valverde, Fran García, and Castilla’s Raúl Asencio and Jacobo Ramón.

Despite the rotations, Vinicius Junior is expected to start, benefiting from a recent three-match suspension. The attacking line-up remains uncertain, with a contest between Endrick and Rodrygo for a starting position. Interestingly, Arda Güler and Endrick, alongside Valverde, are Real Madrid’s top scorers in the competition so far.

For Leganés, the focus remains on La Liga survival, currently holding a two-point advantage over the relegation zone. Despite a recent disappointing loss to Rayo Vallecano, their overall season has been positive, with notable wins against Barcelona and Atlético Madrid. The absence of key midfielder Cissé due to injury is a blow. However, captain Sergio González is available after his recent suspension. The match is particularly special for Leganés midfielder Dani Raba, whose family history has ties to both Leganés and Real Madrid.

Historically, Leganés has proven a difficult opponent for Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey, pushing the giants to their limits in previous encounters. While the Liga clash between the two teams ended in a 3-0 victory for Real Madrid, this cup tie promises a different challenge. The question for Leganés manager Borja Jiménez is whether to prioritize the Copa tie or focus on their upcoming La Liga match against Valencia.

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