Mbappé Double helps Real Madrid Comeback Against Leganés

Kylian Mbappé scored twice, including a decisive late free-kick, as Real Madrid came from behind to secure a hard-fought 3-2 victory over relegation-threatened Leganés at the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday, March 29th. The win moves the reigning La Liga champions level on points with leaders Barcelona at the top of the table.

Real Madrid, playing their first match after the international break, took the lead in the 32nd minute when Mbappé converted a penalty, awarded after Oscar Rodriguez fouled Arda Guler.

However, Leganés responded almost immediately. Diego Garcia tapped in a loose ball at the far post just a minute later to equalize. The visitors then stunned the home crowd by taking the lead in the 41st minute, with Dani Raba slotting past goalkeeper Andriy Lunin after being set up by Rodriguez.

Real Madrid restored parity two minutes into the second half. Jude Bellingham slid the ball home after an initial effort rebounded off the crossbar.

Mbappé secured the victory for Madrid in the 76th minute with a brilliantly executed curling free-kick. “It was difficult match. After the international break it’s always difficult,” Mbappé told RMTV. “We know what we always have to do: win… We didn’t play well for 20 minutes and conceded two goals. But we know that if we play well we’ll score… We worked on (the set piece) a few weeks ago with the staff. I knew I could shoot this way… and it worked out well.”

The win takes Real Madrid to 63 points from 29 matches, level with Barcelona, who host Girona on Sunday. Third-placed Atletico Madrid, held 1-1 by Espanyol earlier on Saturday, are now six points behind the joint leaders.

Leganés, despite a valiant effort, suffered their third consecutive defeat and remain in 18th place on 27 points, level with Alaves who sit just above the relegation zone on goal difference.⁷ “We have done a tremendous job. We leave with our heads held high because we were fighting until the end,” said Leganés striker Garcia. “Ultimately, it was down to the details that they took it.”