Kylian Mbappe scored twice as Real Madrid came from behind to record a 3-2 victory over Leganes at Bernabeu on Saturday night.
Los Blancos were handed a real scare on home soil, as goals from Diego Garcia and Dani Raba late in the first period sent the visitors 2-1 ahead after Mbappe had made the breakthrough from the penalty spot.
However, Jude Bellingham levelled the scores early in the second half, before Mbappe found the corner in the 76th minute to secure a vital three points for the reigning champions in their battle for the Spanish title.
Carlo Ancelotti's side are back level on points with leaders Barcelona in the La Liga table, although the Catalan outfit will have the chance to open up a three-point advantage once again when they face Girona on Sunday afternoon.
Leganes, meanwhile, remain in 18th spot, with Roberto Jimenez's side facing a battle to avoid relegation to the Segunda Division.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
© Imago
Mbappe to the rescue, and not for the first time this season.
It is incredible to think that there has been criticism of the Frenchman this term considering that he has now found the back of the net on 33 occasions in his debut campaign for the Spanish and European champions.
Mbappe is well on course to break the 40-goal mark, which would represent a stunning first season, and his goals were absolutely crucial on Saturday night, as Ancelotti's side simply could not afford a slip-up in the title race.
Atletico Madrid are in danger of falling away due to some inconsistent form, but Barcelona look the real deal this term, and it is vital that Real Madrid stay in touch with them during such a crucial stage of the campaign.
Once again, this was not vintage from Real Madrid, and some of their defending left a lot to be desired, but the job was ultimately done, with Los Blancos back on level points with Barcelona at the top of the division.
REAL MADRID VS. LEGANES HIGHLIGHTS
32nd min: Real Madrid 1-0 Leganes (Kylian Mbappe)
Real Madrid make the breakthrough from the penalty spot in the 32nd minute of the contest, with Mbappe chipping one straight down the middle; the spot kick was awarded after Oscar Rodriguez had fouled Arda Guler.
33rd min: Real Madrid 1-1 Leganes (Diego Garcia)
Leganes level the scores just one minute after falling behind, and the equaliser comes from Diego Garcia, who turns into the back of the net from close range after a scramble inside the Real Madrid box; all square at Bernabeu.
41st min: Real Madrid 1-2 Leganes (Dani Raba)
Leganes have turned this around in the first half at Bernabeu, and it is Raba on the scoresheet, with the attacker turning a low cross from Oscar Rodriguez into the back of the net - poor defending from the Spanish champions there.
47th min: Real Madrid 2-2 Leganes (Jude Bellingham)
Real Madrid level the scores in the 47th minute of the contest, with Bellingham converting from close range after the ball had come off the crossbar - Leganes have been undone early in the second period.
76th min: Real Madrid 3-2 Leganes (Kylian Mbappe)
The turnaround is complete for Real Madrid, with Mbappe placing one into the bottom corner after a short free kick with Fran Garcia; this incredible match swings the way of the home side once again.
MAN OF THE MATCH - KYLIAN MBAPPE
© Imago
Mbappe was the hero for Real Madrid on Saturday night, keeping his cool from the penalty spot in the 32nd minute, before scoring the game's decisive fifth goal in the 76th minute to secure a vital three points for the capital giants.
The former Paris Saint-Germain forward had nine shots in total, while he also finished with a pass success rate of 91% during a standout performance at Bernabeu.
REAL MADRID VS. LEGANES MATCH STATS
Possession: Real Madrid 71%-29% Leganes
Shots: Real Madrid 24-10 Leganes
Shots on target: Real Madrid 10-4 Leganes
Corners: Real Madrid 8-3 Leganes
Fouls: Real Madrid 9-13 Leganes
BEST STAT
12 - Players with most goals in @LaLigaEN in calendar year 2025:
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) March 29, 2025
12 - KYLIAN MBAPPÉ 🇫🇷
7 - Robert Lewandowski 🇵🇱
6 - Oihan Sancet 🇪🇸
6 - Julián Álvarez 🇦🇷
6 - Kike García 🇪🇸
BOOM. 🐢 pic.twitter.com/7RH8Jjphwx
WHAT NEXT?
Real Madrid's attention will now switch to the Copa del Rey, preparing to welcome Real Sociedad to Bernabeu on Tuesday for the second leg of their semi-final, with Los Blancos holding a 1-0 advantage from the first leg.
Leganes, meanwhile, will be bidding to avoid a fourth straight league defeat when they host Osasuna on April 7.
Matt Law
