Leganes struggle exposes Real Madrid youngster’s lack of readiness for big games | OneFootball

The match against Leganes secured Real Madrid’s spot in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey, but it exposed a concerning problem in defence.

With Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba out, Aurelien Tchouameni seems to be the only available solution, and even he has not been performing at a level that inspires complete confidence.

Jacobo Ramon, making his debut as a starter, had a night to forget. While it is still too early to judge his long-term potential, his first full match was far from reassuring.

He struggled under pressure, raising doubts about his readiness for tougher upcoming fixtures such as the Madrid derby and the clash against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

Not at par

Unlike the positive first impression Raul Asencio left in his debut, Ramon failed to make an impact. His challenges in the first half were notable, as he could not win a single duel.

A handball in the penalty area, which looked more like a goalkeeper’s move, handed Leganes a clear advantage.

Jacobo Ramon failed to make an impact against Leganes. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

From the outset, Ramon appeared nervous, misplacing passes and getting repeatedly outpaced by the Leganes attackers. Recognising his uneasiness, the opposition persistently targeted him.

One of these moments led to a clear infringement, resulting in a penalty that Juan Cruz calmly converted to bring Leganés back into the match.

This unfortunate situation left the young centre-back exposed and under scrutiny. Despite this setback, Real Madrid and Carlo Ancelotti remain confident in his abilities and potential.

They are aware that young players often need time to adjust and grow into their roles. While the night did not go as planned for Ramon, it’s important to remember that one bad performance does not define a player’s future.

The coaching staff will undoubtedly work with him to refine his game and prepare him for the challenges ahead. Madrid’s faith in their young talent remains firm, as they hope Ramon will turn this experience into a stepping stone for improvement.