Amid all the major events happening this week, the Copa del Rey match was the least significant. However, for a club like Real Madrid, losing the chance to secure another title this season would have been disastrous. Fortunately for the team—and for Ancelotti—an academy player stepped up to save the result.

Carlo Ancelotti Took Risks

With the Madrid Derby against Atlético looming this weekend and a Champions League Playoff clash with Manchester City on the horizon, Carlo Ancelotti opted to rest some of his top players.

Against Leganés, the Italian coach left out Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham, a decision that seemed justified in the first half of the Copa del Rey quarterfinal. However, the home side’s equalizer sent shockwaves through the Madrid camp.

Juan Cruz Díaz Espósito’s brace put Los Blancos under pressure after earlier goals from Luka Modrić and Endrick had given them the lead.

An Unexpected Hero in Butarque

With the match heading toward extra time, Gonzalo García Torres emerged as Real Madrid’s savior. His goal in the 93rd minute secured a dramatic victory and booked Madrid’s spot in the semifinals.

For García Torres, who was making just his third official appearance for the first team, the goal marked a milestone—the first of his senior career.