Mbappe the hero as Real Madrid completes comeback victory

Real Madrid came from behind to secure a crucial 3-2 win over Leganés on Saturday evening, drawing level on points with La Liga leaders Barcelona. after a shaky first half, second-half goals from Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé sealed the victory for los blancos, who now continue their fierce title battle with their Catalan rivals.

Eventful first half ends in Leganés lead

Real Madrid started the match with intent, pressing high and controlling possession at the Santiago Bernabéu. however, it was Leganés who had the first clear chance of the match, as Yvan Neyou fired just over the bar. despite Madrid's early dominance, it took a moment of controversy to break the deadlock. Midway through the first half, Arda Güler went down in the box after slight contact from Óscar Rodríguez. the referee pointed to the spot, and Kylian Mbappé calmly slotted home the penalty with a cheeky panenka, putting Real 1-0 ahead. But the lead lasted less than a minute. a lapse in Madrid’s defense saw Lucas Vázquez keep Diego García onside, allowing the Leganés attacker to quickly equalize. before halftime, the visitors completed a surprise turnaround with a sharp counterattack finished off by Daniel Raba, sending Real into the break trailing 1-2.

Real Madrid strikes back after the break

Carlo Ancelotti’s team came out for the second half with renewed energy and immediately put Leganés under pressure. just minutes after the restart, Jude Bellingham pounced on a rebound and slotted it into the net to level the score at 2-2. Madrid continued to push forward. Brahim Díaz struck the post in a near-miss, and Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo kept testing the Leganés defense. the breakthrough finally came in the 75th minute. after being brought down outside the box, Mbappé stepped up and delivered a powerful, pinpoint free kick to make it 3-2—his second of the night and the eventual matchwinner.

Title race intensifies

With this win, Real Madrid climbs to 60 points, now level with FC Barcelona at the top of La Liga. Barcelona, who won their game in hand against Osasuna earlier in the week, face Girona in a Catalan derby on Sunday. the pressure is now on the Catalans to respond. For Madrid, the result is another sign of resilience and determination, fueled by the firepower of Mbappé and Bellingham. as the season nears its climax, every match, every goal, and every point will matter in one of the tightest title races in recent years.