García's Late Heroics Send Real Madrid to Copa del Rey Semi-Finals with 3-2 Win Over Leganés

 MADRID (AP) — Young forward Gonzalo García became the hero for Real Madrid, scoring a dramatic stoppage-time winner to secure a 3-2 victory over Leganés on Wednesday and send Los Blancos into the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey.  Real Madrid appeared to be cruising after taking a two-goal lead within the first half-hour, thanks to strikes from Luka Modrić and Brazilian sensation Endrick. However, Leganés fought back with a brace from Juan Cruz, setting the stage for García's late heroics.  The 20-year-old García, who typically plays for Real Madrid Castilla, the club's reserve team, rose to the occasion in the third minute of added time. He connected with a pinpoint cross from Brahim Díaz, heading home the decisive goal to spark celebrations among the Madrid faithful.  "We have to be happy when a young player from the academy contributes to the first team," said Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti. "This season, they've had more opportunities due to injuries, and they're making the most of it."  

The victory was crucial for Real Madrid, who were looking to bounce back from a 1-0 La Liga defeat to Espanyol last weekend. Another setback would have been a shock for the Spanish giants, who have lost just twice in their last 15 matches across all competitions.  "It's a tough moment, but we have to overcome it with games like today's, where we had to suffer," Ancelotti added. "We're in the semi-finals, and the young players have played their part."  Modrić opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a close-range finish, before Endrick doubled the advantage in the 25th after pouncing on a loose ball inside the box. However, Leganés responded before halftime, with Cruz converting a penalty in the 39th minute. The attacking midfielder then leveled the score in the 59th minute with a deflected shot that left Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin stranded.  Madrid came close to regaining the lead in the 75th minute when Díaz's effort struck the crossbar, but García's late header ensured they avoided extra time and secured their place in the last four.  The win came despite Madrid's defensive woes, with key players such as Antonio Rüdiger, David Alaba, Éder Militão, and Dani Carvajal sidelined due to injuries. Ancelotti was forced to field youngsters Jacobo Ramón and Raúl Asencio in central defense, while midfielder Federico Valverde filled in at right-back.  Valverde, who made his 295th appearance for Madrid, celebrated his 200th win with the club. Ancelotti praised the contributions of the young players, saying, "The youth team is adding value; they're doing a great job. They come in prepared, and while they lack experience, they're performing very well."  

With an eye on Saturday's La Liga derby against Atlético Madrid, Ancelotti opted to rest some of his regular starters. Real Madrid currently lead the league by one point over their city rivals.  Atlético Madrid became the first team to reach the Copa del Rey semi-finals after thrashing Getafe 5-0 on Tuesday, with Argentine striker Giuliano Simeone, son of manager Diego Simeone, scoring twice.  In the other quarter-final matches, Real Sociedad will host Osasuna, while Barcelona will travel to face Valencia on Thursday.  Real Madrid, who last won the Copa del Rey in the 2022-23 season, were eliminated by Atlético in the round of 16 last year. Leganés, meanwhile, reached the semi-finals in the 2017-18 campaign but have struggled this season, sitting 16th in La Liga and winless in their last three matches across all competitions.