Three talking points ahead of Real Madrid vs Leganes | La Liga GW 29 | OneFootball

Real Madrid return to action after the international break on Saturday night to take on Leganes in La Liga.

The clash at the Santiago Bernabeu is indeed one where the Merengues are considered overwhelming favourites especially given how Leganes are struggling in the relegation area.

If the men in white have learnt one lesson from the defeat to Espanyol, however, it is to never underestimate an opposition based on the position on the standings and they will thus look to pick up where they left off.

The coming month may not guarantee Real Madrid a successful season in terms of silverware, but a few slip ups are enough to see them eliminated across competitions and deem the campaign a failure.

A lot rides on the streak of games ahead and it is imperative that Los Blancos start off on the right foot after the break.

Madrid Universal brings you three talking points ahead of Real Madrid vs Leganes.

Back with no margin for error

While Real Madrid return to action tomorrow night on Matchday 29 of La Liga, their arch-rivals Barcelona resumed their title chase early to play their game in hand against Osasuna.

The one postponed game was all that seperated the Catalans from Los Blancos ahead of kickoff and all eyes were on Hansi Flick’s team to see if they could indeed establish the three-point gap that was theoretical to that point.

Indeed, they put three goals past the Pamplona-based side and are now three points clear of Real Madrid ahead of the latter’s kickoff tomorrow night.

Only ten matchdays remain in La Liga and it is safe to say that Barcelona are in the driver’s seat. It is, however, still not out of Real Madrid’s grip especially with a Clasico yet to play.

Every game that Real Madrid keep winning from this point, they inch closer towards fighting neck-to-neck for the league title. After all, they have it in their hands right now to match Barcelona point-for-point should they win all their games from this point.

A single slip-up at this stage, however, could prove suicidal and end the Merengues’ chances of defending their crown. Each point has never mattered more.

Rest for Vinicius Jr.?

Rest for Vinicius tomorrow? (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

The international break was a long and tiring one for many Real Madrid players who participated in the UEFA Nations League and the World Cup Qualifiers based on the federation they played for.

As always, however, the hiatus was more exhausting for the South Americans who not only had a longer journey across the continent but also played deep into the week.

Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo Goes were involved in Brazil’s game against Argentina late on Tuesday night and it is safe to say that they will still be feeling the fatigue.

Carlo Ancelotti, thus, could look to rest the Brazilians tomorrow night, Vinicius in particular, given that he played all 90 minutes of the Selecao’s game against the reigning World Cup winners.

Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo Goes can thus be expected to start against Leganes while Brahim Diaz has a good chance of taking over the third position in attack.

After all, the schedule ahead is gruelling and Los Blancos will need Vinicius to be at his best for the upcoming cup tie against Real Sociedad, the UEFA Champions League game against Arsenal and the more challenging league fixtures ahead.

Lunin’s night to shine

Thibaut Courtois did not train with the team this entire week owing to muscular discomfort and has been left out of the squad to face Leganes by manager Ancelotti.

The coach confirmed in his pre-game press conference that the Belgian star’s injury is minor and that he will be back in the lineup for the upcoming games. Needless to say, tomorrow’s game is massive for Andriy Lunin.

The Ukrainian star has not had the minutes he deserves this season given Courtois’ form and quality and his performance tomorrow night will go a long way in staking his claim for more prominence.

He has only featured regularly for the team in the Copa del Rey including the first leg of the semifinal against Real Sociedad and is expected to start next week for the second leg as well.

A strong showing against Leganes and another big performance midweek against the Basque opposition in the cup, needless to say, could earn him the right to start the Copa del Rey final which may well be a Clasico.