After a poor start saw Real Madrid's hopes of back-to-back La Liga titles fall, the Copa Del Rey took on additional importance in their search for silverware. That dream has also crumbled tonight as Madrid crashed out of the cup thanks to a 2-1 loss against Leganes.
Zinedine Zidane's outfit are now 19 points off the top of the La Liga and eliminated for the 'La Copa'.
This was Los Blancos first ever defeat to Leganes. Javier Eraso put the minnows up by half-time before a Karim Benzema equaliser. However, some amateur defending allowed Gabriel Pires snatch a winner and send his side through on away goals.
Zidane left Ronaldo and Bale out of the squad but included Ramos, Benzema, Isco and Asensio. Tonight's loss is just the latest blow to what is quickly becoming a disastrous season.
FT Madrid 1-2 Leganes - 2-2 on agg, Leganes thru to Copa semis on away goals. Famous and deserved win for the suburban neighbours, and Zidane in big trouble now.
— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) January 24, 2018
Leganes players drop to their knees on Bernabeu turf - their club's first ever win here. 150 away fans going bonkers in one corner, whistles around rest of stadium.
— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) January 24, 2018
I stand by my opinion that Zidane is a football manager and not a football coach and what Real Madrid is missing this season more than anything is a coach.
— Alexandra Jonson (@AlexandraJonson) January 24, 2018
Madrid's 3 Copa results at home this season:
2-2 v Fuenlabrada
2-2 v Numancia
1-2 v Leganes
Most damming thing of all for Zidane is that the risk was there and he left Bale & Ronaldo (if fit) out of the squad completely— Kieran Canning (@KieranCanning) January 24, 2018
Madrid now have what should be a straightforward tie against Levante this weekend but the last chance for a trophy comes next Month when they play PSG in the Champions League.
This was Madrid's fourth home loss already this season after Barcelona, Betis, and Villarreal all took points at the Bernabeu this season.
The clock is very much ticking for Zidane, who will need to inspire drastic change to convince Florentino Pérez he is the man for the job.
