Talking points & observations as Leganes hold Real Madrid 2-2 on final day

Isco stars as the Cucumber Growers are relegated after four years in the top-flight!

Real Madrid saw off a much-improved La Liga campaign with a hard-fought 2-2 draw at the Butarque as Leganes are relegated back to Segunda Division. Sergio Ramos and Marco Asensio twice put the visitors ahead, but Bryan Gil and Roger Assale were on hand to level the scores each time.

With Celta Vigo held at Levante, the Pepineros had to win here to slip into safety robes and retain top-flight status, but Los Blancos weathered a late storm to send their neighbours down. Leganes even had a penalty appeal turned down in the 86th minute after an apparent handball inside the area, which all but sounded the death knell.

Here are the talking points from the match:

Leganes gift champions the opening goal

More from Real Madrid

• Real Madrid dealt Eder Militao injury blow
• Jude Bellingham scores in Real Madrid debut
• Real Madrid facing uncertainty heading into new LaLiga season
• Real Madrid suffer Thibaut Courtois injury blow
• Joselu, the story behind the kid who dreamt of playing for Real Madrid

Had the Pepineros been slightly more clinical up front, there was every chance of grinding out a win that would’ve successfully kept them around. Leganes weren’t to be cowed down by Real Madrid’s champions acclaim and took the game to the visitors with an uncharacteristically menacing approach that visibly rattled the mighty visitors. However, it came only after Ramos had already headed Los Blancos in front.

Madrid won a free-kick on the left flank which Isco stepped up to take, and sent in a fine delivery for the captain to comfortably spear home. The gap that he was given to run into in the build-up was simply astonishing. Unai Bustinza was the man supposed to be marking, but the centre-back just let Ramos escape his grasp and he did the rest. It was like handing Dracula the keys to the blood bank as Leganes were all at sea and were made to pay.

Inconsistent officiating sparks more VAR controversy

When it comes to officiating, La Liga’s reputation isn’t particularly stellar. The decisions tend to range from erratic to downright egregious, and the introduction of VAR hasn’t really helped erase the anomalies either. There have been many incorrect calls lately, and last night saw another one when Luka Jovic appeared to elbow the ball inside the area.

As a corner was played into the box, Bustinza tried to divert the ball towards Aviles, but it brushed off the Serbian’s lower arm which was later reviewed on the monitor. After a few replays, the referee waved off penalty calls and it went for only a goal-kick. Leganes must have been incensed and rightfully so. Maybe if the shoe was on the other foot, it would’ve been different?

Real Madrid’s stoic defense in complete shambles

Los Blancos have been uncharacteristically stoic in defense all season. Their tally of 25 goals conceded is the least among all teams in Europe’s top five leagues, better than even Liverpool, Atletico Madrid, and Juventus. It was the foundation upon which the title success of this campaign was built, so it was disappointing to see the same defense in complete shambles in this match.

For starters, Lucas Vazquez was a complete disaster in the right-back role. He was often found way off his position and the boisterous Assale completely wiped the floor with him. It was no co-incidence then, that both Leganes goals stemmed from his side of the pitch. Also, there was no communication between Militao and Ramos whereas Mendy, who was albeit bright offensively, was sloppy at the other end.

What was your take of the match?