Thu Feb 06 02:51:38 UTC 2025: ## Real Madrid’s Youth Shine in Copa Del Rey Victory, but Defensive Crisis Looms Over Derby
**Madrid, Spain** – Real Madrid overcame a shaky performance to defeat Leganés 3-2 in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals on Wednesday, thanks largely to the contributions of several young players. However, the victory came at a cost, highlighting a serious defensive injury crisis that threatens to derail their upcoming crucial matches.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti fielded a significantly altered lineup due to a lack of senior centre-backs, with Éder Militão, Antonio Rüdiger, and David Alaba all sidelined through injury. This saw 21-year-old Raúl Asencio and 20-year-old Jacobo Ramón making key appearances in defence, alongside teenagers Arda Güler and Endrick in attack.
While Luka Modric and Endrick gave Madrid an early 2-0 lead, Leganés fought back to level the score at 2-2. Ultimately, 20-year-old Gonzalo García, a Castilla (Real Madrid’s reserve team) player who has scored 19 league goals this season, stepped off the bench to head home the winning goal in the 93rd minute.
Ancelotti praised the youngsters’ efforts, acknowledging their mistakes but emphasizing their vital contribution during a difficult period. He highlighted García’s form and expressed confidence in Ramón’s potential, despite some initial nerves in his first start of the season.
The manager confirmed his team selection was influenced by the upcoming fixtures, including Saturday’s crucial Madrid derby against Atlético Madrid and the Champions League clash against Manchester City. He stressed the need to integrate the young players to ensure squad depth in the face of the defensive emergency.
Ancelotti’s comments suggest that Real Madrid’s backline for the derby remains highly uncertain, with the club relying heavily on inexperienced players to fill the void left by their injured stars. The performance against Leganés provided a glimpse of both the promise and the potential pitfalls of this strategy.
First Piper 