Lega fails to advance in the Cup (1-2)

C.D. Leganés failed to advance in the Copa del Rey after losing their match against Albacete Balompié (1-2) in the second round of the tournament. Marvel, with an own goal, and Lazo scored for the visitors, while Naim narrowed the gap in added time.

Leganés started with a much-changed lineup compared to their last league game in Zaragoza, with only Figueredo, Marvel, and Diawara repeating as starters, the latter two suspended for Sunday's clash against Córdoba. Notable in the lineup was the return of Enric Franquesa at left back, as well as the debut as a starter for reserve team forward Suleiman El Haddadi.

No goals at halftime after an even first half

Suleiman himself had Lega's first shot on goal in the 9th minute, with a left-footed shot after a move by Pauwels that was saved by Lizoain. In the 13th minute, it was Marvel who had a header from a corner taken by Franquesa, which the visiting goalkeeper saved in two attempts. Albacete responded in the 15th minute with a chance for Lazo, which was well saved by San Román, Paco López's Copa goalkeeper.

The first half was evenly matched between the two sides, neither of which managed to gain control of possession. Lega gradually took control as the minutes passed, and in the 34th minute, Óscar Plano had a good chance after an assist from Suleiman, but his shot went just wide. The score remained 0-0 at halftime.

Marvel, with an own goal, and Lazo put Albacete ahead, and Naim narrowed the gap in added time

The second half started unchanged, with Albacete leading 0-1 in the 50th minute after an unfortunate incident in which Marvel put the ball into his own net. Lega sought to react with a triple substitution in the 58th minute, bringing on Andrés Campos, Roberto López, and Duk in place of Guirao, Pauwels, and Suleiman. However, in the 60th minute, Albacete made it 0-2 on a counterattack finished off by Lazo.

Lega tried to close the gap with two consecutive chances from Miguel de la Fuente, who was denied first by Lizoain and then by a header that grazed the post. Álex Millán also came on in the 71st minute to replace Miguel. Naim, replacing Franquesa, was Lega's last substitution, and it was Naim who, with a shot from outside the area, was responsible for reducing the deficit in added time.

However, there was no time for more and Leganés is out of this year's Copa del Rey. The next match for the Pepineros will be on Sunday (4:15 p.m.) against Córdoba at Ontime Butarque.