5 Reasons Why The Leganés Vs Real Madrid Rivalry Is Hotter Than Ever In 2025
The rivalry between CD Leganés and Real Madrid CF has reached a fever pitch in the 2024/2025 season, transforming a traditionally one-sided affair into a dramatic, must-watch fixture. As of today, December 22, 2025, the two clubs have already delivered two unforgettable clashes, with one final, decisive LaLiga fixture looming on the horizon. The newly-promoted Pepiñeros have shown a defiant spirit against the reigning Spanish giants, pushing them to the absolute limit in a stunning display of underdog grit.
This article dives deep into the recent history, the jaw-dropping results from the current season, and what fans can expect from the final, highly-anticipated showdown between these two Madrid-based rivals. The narrative of the humble club from the south of Madrid challenging the global powerhouse has captivated football fans worldwide.
The 2024/2025 Season: Two Epic Clashes and The Upcoming LaLiga Showdown
The 2024/2025 campaign marks Leganés’ return to the top flight of Spanish football, LaLiga, since their relegation in 2020. Their promotion has injected fresh life and local derby tension back into the fixture list, leading to two high-stakes encounters that have been anything but predictable.
Clash 1: LaLiga Dominance at Butarque (Leganés 0-3 Real Madrid)
The first meeting took place on Sunday, November 24, 2024, at Leganés' home ground, the Estadio Municipal de Butarque. While the final score suggested a comfortable victory for Los Blancos, the match was a significant test of Leganés' resolve in their return to the top division.
Real Madrid's quality shone through, with the club's star-studded attack securing the three points. The goalscorers were a testament to the club's incredible attacking depth: a strike from French superstar Kylian Mbappé, a powerful effort from midfielder Federico Valverde, and a clinical finish from English sensation Jude Bellingham.
For Leganés, the match was a harsh lesson in the difference between the Segunda División and LaLiga, but their defensive organization for large spells showed promise for their survival bid. The result maintained Real Madrid's dominant head-to-head record against the Pepiñeros.
Clash 2: The Copa del Rey Quarterfinal Thriller (Leganés 2-3 Real Madrid)
The second fixture, played on February 5, 2025, was arguably the most dramatic in the history of the rivalry. This Copa del Rey Quarterfinals clash saw Leganés come within minutes of one of the biggest upsets of the season.
The match at Butarque was an end-to-end battle, with Leganés refusing to be intimidated. They managed to score two goals against a Real Madrid side that was forced to field a strong lineup to avoid embarrassment. The sheer tenacity of the home side created a cup atmosphere that rattled the visitors.
The tie was decided in the dying moments of the game. Real Madrid needed an injury-time winner from a surprising source to secure their passage to the semi-finals. Youngster Gonzalo García emerged as the hero of the night, scoring the decisive goal that broke Leganés' hearts and sealed a dramatic 3-2 victory for Carlo Ancelotti's side.
The Final Showdown: Real Madrid vs Leganés (March 30, 2025)
The stage is now set for the final league meeting of the 2024/2025 season. The Matchweek 29 fixture will see Leganés travel to the iconic Santiago Bernabéu to face Real Madrid on Sunday, March 30, 2025.
This match carries immense significance for both clubs:
- For Real Madrid: It is a crucial fixture in their bid to secure the LaLiga title. They will be looking for a comfortable victory to maintain their momentum and avoid any late-season slip-ups against a team that has proven capable of frustrating them.
- For CD Leganés: The Pepiñeros will likely be fighting for their lives to avoid relegation. Every single point is vital, and a result—even a draw—at the Bernabéu would be a monumental boost to their survival hopes and a historic moment for the club's fans.
Given the drama of the Copa del Rey match, the atmosphere for this league encounter is expected to be electric, with Leganés seeking revenge for their late cup exit.
Historical Head-to-Head (H2H) Record: Why Leganés' Recent Fight Matters
Historically, the matchup between Real Madrid and CD Leganés has been heavily skewed in favor of the global giants. The overall Head-to-Head (H2H) record underscores the magnitude of Leganés' recent performances.
In their previous 17 encounters across all competitions, Real Madrid has dominated, boasting 13 victories. Leganés has managed only two wins, with two matches ending in a draw.
The two victories secured by Leganés, while rare, are deeply cherished by their fanbase: a 2-1 Copa del Rey victory at the Bernabéu in 2018 and a 1-0 LaLiga win in 2019. These moments of triumph serve as a constant reminder that an upset is always possible, a belief that has been revitalized by the narrow 3-2 Copa del Rey loss in 2025.
The 2024/2025 season has solidified the rivalry's new chapter. While the results still favor Real Madrid, the competitiveness shown by Leganés—especially in the high-stakes Copa del Rey Quarterfinals—has proven that this is no longer a guaranteed three points for Los Blancos. The March 30th league match is poised to be the most intense league meeting between the two clubs in years, with the weight of the league title and the threat of relegation hanging in the balance.
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