Thu Feb 06 07:01:32 UTC 2025: ## Real Madrid Edge Leganes in Thrilling Copa del Rey Quarter-Final

**Madrid, Spain** – Real Madrid snatched a dramatic 3-2 victory over Leganes in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals on Wednesday, thanks to a last-gasp header from young striker Gonzalo Garcia. The 20-year-old’s 93rd-minute goal secured a place in the semi-finals for the European champions, avoiding extra time and preserving their energy ahead of crucial upcoming fixtures against Atletico Madrid and Manchester City.

Goals from Luka Modric and Endrick had given Real Madrid a comfortable lead, but Juan Cruz’s brace, including a penalty, brought Leganes level. With the match seemingly destined for extra time, Brahim Diaz’s skillful dribble and cross found Garcia, who headed home to secure the win.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti praised the performance of his young players, many of whom started due to injuries to key players like Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham. He highlighted Gonzalo’s contribution from the reserve team and the overall preparedness of the squad’s younger members. Ancelotti’s decision to rest some players ahead of the crucial matches against Atletico and City proved to be a shrewd one.

The victory sets up a thrilling weekend for Real Madrid, who face Atletico Madrid in a La Liga derby on Saturday before traveling to Manchester to face City in the Champions League on Tuesday. Atletico already secured their semi-final spot with a 5-0 win over Getafe. The remaining quarter-finals see Barcelona visit Valencia and Real Sociedad host Osasuna on Thursday.

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