Carlo Ancelotti Plays Young Players as Real Madrid Face Leganes in Copa del Rey Quarterfinals
Real Madrid secured a place in the Copa del Rey semifinals after a convincing victory over Leganes in the quarterfinals. However, what stood out the most from this match was Carlo Ancelotti’s decision to give several young players a chance to shine on the big stage. The Italian manager, known for his experience and tactical intelligence, showed faith in the club’s rising talents, and they did not disappoint.
From the start, it was evident that Ancelotti had opted for a blend of youth and experience. With key senior players rested or starting from the bench, youngsters such as Arda Güler, Nico Paz, and Álvaro Rodríguez were given the opportunity to prove themselves. The decision was a bold one, especially in a high-stakes knockout match, but it reflected Madrid’s confidence in their next generation of stars.
The match started with Real Madrid controlling possession, as expected. Arda Güler, the talented Turkish midfielder, played a key role in orchestrating attacks from midfield. His composure on the ball and vision allowed Madrid to dictate the tempo early on. In the 20th minute, Güler provided a perfect assist for Nico Paz, who fired a brilliant strike past the Leganes goalkeeper to give Madrid the lead.
Leganes, despite being the underdogs, showed resilience and tried to push forward in search of an equalizer. However, Real Madrid’s defense, led by Antonio Rüdiger and the promising young center-back Marvel, managed to keep them at bay. Goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, who was given another start in the absence of Thibaut Courtois, made a few crucial saves to preserve Madrid’s lead.
In the second half, Madrid continued to dominate proceedings, and Ancelotti introduced more young talent. Álvaro Rodríguez, a highly-rated striker from the club’s academy, made an immediate impact after coming off the bench. The Uruguayan forward showcased his finishing ability by scoring Madrid’s second goal in the 65th minute, tapping in a low cross from Dani Carvajal.
Rodríguez’s goal all but sealed the victory for Madrid, but the young players were not done making their mark. In the closing stages of the game, Sergio Arribas, another academy graduate, added a third goal with a stunning long-range effort. His celebration showed how much the moment meant to him, as he ran towards the Madrid bench to embrace Ancelotti and his teammates.
After the match, Ancelotti expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, especially highlighting the contributions of the younger players. “These boys have shown their quality and their hunger. They work hard in training, and today, they proved they can play at the highest level,” he said. “It’s important to give them opportunities, and they responded in the best way possible.”
With this victory, Real Madrid advances to the semifinals of the Copa del Rey, keeping their hopes of winning another domestic title alive. More importantly, the match served as a glimpse into the future of the club. With a new generation of talented players emerging, Madrid’s squad depth looks stronger than ever. As the competition reaches its final stages, Madrid will now turn their focus to their next opponent. The semifinals promise to be another stern test, but with a mix of youth and experience, Ancelotti’s side will be confident in their ability to go all the way
