Real Madrid held to 1-1 draw by Leganes

Source: Xinhua| 2019-04-16 05:30:54|Editor: huaxia
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MADRID, April 15 (Xinhua) -- Real Madrid's poor season continued on Monday as they were held to a 1-1 draw away to Leganes.

The club from the south of Madrid produced a brave display and the point was well-deserved against a Real Madrid side that once again failed to impress.

Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane had commented on Sunday that there would be changes in the first team squad and Monday's game again gave some hints as to who could be on the way out with Gareth Bale on the subs' bench, while Fede Valverde was given a chance in midfield ahead of Dani Ceballos.

Meanwhile Isco and Marcos Asensio were in the Madrid line up, where Karim Benzema once again led the attack.

The first half saw Madrid again lack fluidity in their play against a Leganes side whose defense was once again well marshalled by the combative Unai Bustinza.

Leganes took the lead on the stroke of halftime when Jonathan Silva latched onto a loose ball on the edge of the Madrid area to beat Keylor Navas with an unstoppable curling shot into the corner of the net.

Benzema's 18th league goal of the season drew Madrid level six minutes into the second half as they striker saw his first shot saved by 'Pichu' Cuellar, but was able to latch onto the rebound and score from a tight angle.

The goal means that Benzema has now netted Real Madrid's last five goals, which not only highlights his excellent campaign, but also how those around him have disappointed.

Leganes had a goal correctly ruled out for offside eight minutes from time as Youssef En-Nesyri got the ball past Navas only for the linesman's flag to deny him, while at the other end Cuellar produced a good save from Marcelo, who had been teed up by Benzema's backheel.

Bale played the last 10 minutes, but did nothing to suggest he is going to change Zidane's opinion between now and the end of a season that for Real Madrid can't end soon enough. Enditem

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