Real Madrid’s hard-fought 3-2 win over Leganés on Saturday was a stark reminder of football’s unpredictability, even for a club of their stature. While the victory kept them firmly in the La Liga title race, thanks in large part to another outstanding display from Kylian Mbappé, it also exposed deeper concerns—especially regarding player fatigue and the long-term viability of certain squad members. Mbappé’s brace, which brought his season tally to 33 goals and matched Cristiano Ronaldo’s debut season record, masked some of these underlying issues, which club president Florentino Pérez is reportedly addressing.
Fatigue was a dominant theme after the match, with the recent international break taking a visible toll on several key players, affecting both their energy levels and overall cohesion. However, beyond short-term exhaustion, the game also served as a moment of reflection for Pérez, who is now said to be reassessing the team’s future composition. One player under particularly intense scrutiny is Lucas Vázquez.
Despite being rested for two weeks, Vázquez was brought on as a second-half substitute—only to be replaced later by Fede Valverde, who had just returned from international duty. This seemingly puzzling decision highlighted the growing uncertainty surrounding Vázquez’s future. With his contract expiring in the summer and speculation linking Trent Alexander-Arnold to the club, the veteran full-back’s time at Madrid may be coming to an end.
At 34, Vázquez is a respected figure in the squad, having spent a decade with the first team and proving himself a versatile asset. However, this season has posed unique challenges, particularly as he struggled to cover for Dani Carvajal following his injury in October. The responsibility seemed overwhelming at times, with Vázquez often falling short of the required performance levels.
The defensive struggles forced Carlo Ancelotti to explore alternative solutions, especially as further injuries, including Éder Militão’s, deepened the crisis. This led to Valverde’s surprising deployment at right-back, a move born out of necessity but one that ultimately stabilized the defense. The reliance on a midfielder in that role underscored the severity of Madrid’s defensive woes and how close they came to a disastrous season.
Pérez, known for his proactive approach, is now reportedly accelerating plans for the summer transfer window. The potential signing of Alexander-Arnold suggests a clear intent to rejuvenate the right-back position, a decision that would likely end Vázquez’s tenure at the club. Real Madrid’s commitment to integrating younger, dynamic talent reflects a broader strategy to maintain their dominance in the years ahead.
Letting go of a long-serving player like Vázquez is not an easy decision, but in elite football, sentimentality often gives way to pragmatism. To remain at the top, Madrid must constantly evolve and make tough choices.
Despite the three points gained against Leganés, the match exposed Madrid’s reliance on individual brilliance, particularly from Mbappé, while also highlighting the need for greater defensive solidity and tactical consistency. The upcoming transfer window will be pivotal, shaping the club’s ability to compete at the highest level. The potential arrival of Alexander-Arnold and other reinforcements will define the next phase of the team’s evolution.
While Vázquez’s contributions to Madrid will always be appreciated, the club’s pursuit of sustained success requires continual adjustments. The lessons from the Leganés match will undoubtedly influence the decisions made in the coming months as Madrid prepares for the future.
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