Real Madrid snatch late Leganes win to reach Copa del Rey semis

The Leganes playmaker dispatched the spot kick low to Andriy Lunin’s left, with the Ukrainian goalkeeper inches away from reaching it.

Ancelotti sent on Vinicius Junior for Rodrygo for the second half, and the winger missed two good chances straight away.

Leganes goalkeeper Juan Soriano saved well to deny the Brazilian, who also headed over from close range.

Madrid paid the price for their profligacy when Cruz netted his second, with the aid of a deflection off Ferland Mendy.

With stoppage time almost over, Diaz produced a fine dribble to break free on the right, before crossing to the near post to create his side’s late winner.

Gonzalo was on hand to head home with one of the final touches of the game and book Madrid’s ticket to the semi-final.

League leaders Madrid face Atletico, second, on Saturday in a derby clash before visiting Man City in the Champions League on Tuesday.

“(Gonzalo’s) goal came just in time, in the last minute,” said Ancelotti.

“Obviously it takes you a bit longer to recover from playing extra-time.

“The team is in good shape, we left some players out for them to rest a bit, to be ready for Saturday and well prepared.”

Atletico thrashed Getafe 5-0 on Tuesday to progress to the final four, while record 31-time winners Barcelona visit Valencia and Real Sociedad host Osasuna in the other quarter-finals on Thursday.