Fri Mar 28 22:14:12 UTC 2025: ## Real Madrid Face Leganes Amidst Off-Field Turmoil

**Madrid, Spain** – Real Madrid returns to La Liga action this Saturday, hosting Leganes at the Santiago Bernabeu, but the match comes after a tumultuous week for the Spanish giants. The reigning La Liga and Champions League champions face a three-point deficit to league leaders Barcelona, who extended their lead with a 3-0 victory over Osasuna on Thursday. This gap is further widened by Barcelona’s superior goal difference (+19 compared to Real Madrid’s).

Adding to the pressure, UEFA has opened an investigation into several Real Madrid players – Antonio Ruediger, Kylian Mbappe, Dani Ceballos, and Vinicius Jr. – for alleged misconduct following their Champions League victory against Atletico Madrid. Spanish media reports suggest the investigation stems from a complaint by Atletico regarding taunting gestures and celebrations by the Real players, which allegedly prompted objects to be thrown onto the pitch. The potential sanctions could see players suspended for the upcoming Champions League quarter-final clashes against Arsenal. Manager Carlo Ancelotti expressed confidence that the investigation will be resolved favorably, stating that the players’ actions were simply celebratory.

Further complicating matters, Ancelotti himself is facing a trial for tax evasion charges in Spain on Wednesday. Prosecutors allege he defrauded the state of $1 million between 2014 and 2015, seeking a prison sentence of up to four years and nine months. Ancelotti denies all wrongdoing.

On the pitch, Real Madrid will be without goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois due to injury. Ancelotti is hopeful that Ceballos and Ferland Mendy will recover in time for the Arsenal game. Leganes, currently in the relegation zone, will be without Yvan Noupa who faces a late fitness test, but striker Daniel Raba is expected to feature. Former Real youth player Javi Hernandez is set to start at left-back for Leganes. The match kicks off at 9 pm local time (20:00 GMT) and can be followed live via Al Jazeera Sport’s text and photo commentary.

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