A turbulent week off the sphere sees Actual Madrid return to LaLiga motion in opposition to Leganes after the worldwide break.
Who: Actual Madrid vs Leganes
What: Spanish LaLiga
The place: Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain
When: Saturday at 9pm (20:00 GMT)
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Holders champions Actual Madrid have endured a combined season within the defence of their LaLiga and Champions League double.
Barcelona moved three factors clear on the prime of the Spanish league following their 3-0 win against Osasuna on Thursday. Earlier this season, Actual failed to achieve the knockout levels of the Champions League robotically and had been compelled to qualify via the playoffs.
Al Jazeera takes a have a look at their newest league fixture on the again of a turbulent week off the sphere for the Spanish giants.
What costs had been levelled in opposition to Actual gamers this week?
European soccer’s governing physique opened an investigation on Thursday into a possible breach of disciplinary regulations by several Real players following the latest Champions League win over Atletico Madrid.
The inquiry is concentrated on allegations of improper conduct involving Antonio Ruediger, Kylian Mbappe, Dani Ceballos and Vinicius Jr. A possible choice may impression Actual’s Champions League quarterfinal legs in opposition to Arsenal on April 8 and 16, with Spanish media stories saying bans might be handed out.
UEFA didn’t element the incidents beneath overview, however Spanish media mentioned Atletico filed a grievance over Actual’s gamers taunting their followers with gestures and dances after the match, main to things being thrown at them.
What was Actual Madrid’s response to the costs?
Actual Madrid supervisor Carlo Ancelotti expressed confidence on Friday that UEFA’s investigation into alleged participant misconduct might be resolved positively as members of his staff face the prospect of lacking upcoming key video games.
“We consider all the pieces was appropriate and we hope UEFA comes to a decision, however we belief that all the pieces will finish effectively,” Ancelotti instructed reporters.
“We’re assured in UEFA’s verdict because the gamers had simply celebrated, that’s it, we await the decision, however our gamers didn’t do something incorrect,” Ancelotti added.
The Italian mentioned his facet would give all the pieces to retain their LaLiga title, regardless of trailing leaders Barcelona within the standings by three factors. Each side are nonetheless within the Champions League and Copa del Rey.
“Barcelona has a bonus, however we’re going to battle till the tip. I hope now we have 17 matches [in all competitions] left till the tip,” Ancelotti mentioned.
🎯 Sharpshooters. pic.twitter.com/FgxDGSLPXd
— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) March 28, 2025
How is the LaLiga title race shaping up?
Barcelona’s win on Thursday was additionally their recreation in hand on their title rivals, and the three-point lead they’ve now gained can be bolstered by a objective distinction that’s 19 efforts superior to Actual’s.
Atletico Madrid are additionally in motion on Saturday as they journey to Espanyol earlier within the day.
Actual’s cross-city rivals begin the day 4 factors off second spot and 7 off leaders Barcelona.
The place are Leganes in LaLiga?
Leganes begin the newest spherical of matches in 18th place – the third relegation spot in Spain’s prime flight.
They’ve solely recorded six wins of their 28 matches to this point this season – shedding 13.
What are the costs regarding Ancelotti?
Ancelotti is to stand trial on tax evasion charges in Spain on Wednesday.
Spanish state prosecutors have accused the extremely profitable Italian coach of defrauding the state of $1m in 2014 and 2015.
A Madrid-based court docket set the trial date on Friday.
State prosecutors are looking for a jail sentence of as much as 4 years and 9 months on two counts of tax fraud. They accused Ancelotti in March 2024 of getting used shell firms to cover his true earnings.
Ancelotti has denied any wrongdoing.
Actual Madrid staff information
Actual might be with out goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois for Saturday’s league match at residence in opposition to Leganes on account of a muscle pressure. Ancelotti was hopeful of different gamers returning in time for the Arsenal conflict.
“Courtois has a small subject, and we are attempting to get well Ceballos and [Ferland] Mendy for the primary leg in opposition to Arsenal,” Ancelotti mentioned.
Leganes staff information
Yvan Noupa faces a late health check after being withdrawn on account of damage in Leganes’ remaining LaLiga recreation earlier than the worldwide break – a 3-2 defeat by Actual Betis
Striker Daniel Raba was additionally taken off in that recreation however is predicted to be match.
Former Actual youth-team participant Javi Hernandez is ready to begin at left-back within the absence of each Enric Franquesa and Borna Barisic
