London, 6 February 2025 (PA Media/dpa/MIA) - Gonzalo Garcia struck three minutes into injury time to send Real Madrid into the Copa del Rey semi-final after a last-gasp 3-2 win at local rivals Leganes on Wednesday.

Carlo Ancelotti’s men looked set for a comfortable evening, despite a raft of changes, as they cruised into a 2-0 first-half lead thanks to goals from Luka Modric and Endrick.

But Juan Cruz’s double either side of half-time stunned the Spanish giants and the game looked to be heading to extra-time.

However, Garcia had the final say, heading home at the death to earn a spot in the last four and move his side two wins away from a 21st Copa del Rey title.

Leganes made a fast start and almost caught their illustrious visitors cold when Diego Garcia broke free in the second minute before curling an effort inches wide of the far post.

Oscar Rodriguez then flashed a header wide as the hosts continued to make some early waves.

One of those chances probably needed to go in as Madrid took control of the game in the 18th minute.

Veteran Modric, restored to the team, was found by Rodrygo on the edge of the area and he surged forward and found the back of the net.

It was 2-0 seven minutes later when Endrick was in the right place to sweep home from 10 yards after a slick Madrid move.

Leganes got themselves back in it in the 39th minute when they were awarded a penalty after Jacobo Ramon handled the ball.

Cruz stepped up and fired the spot-kick into the bottom corner.

Madrid brought on Vinicius Jr at half-time but Leganes left them stunned by equalising just before the hour.

There was a bit of luck about it as Cruz’s shot from just inside the box clipped Raul Asencio’s legs and rolled into the back of the net, wrongfooting goalkeeper Andriy Lunin.

Vinicius Jr was within a whisker of restoring the visitors’ lead five minutes later when he jinked into the area and rolled the ball through Leganes goalkeeper Juan Soriano’s legs, but was denied by the post.

The Brazilian was on a one-man mission to win the game for Ancelotti’s side and he slalomed into the area and put a ball across goal which was begging to be converted but none of his team-mates gambled.

Brahim Diaz then hit the crossbar as Madrid continued to push.

Just as it looked like Leganes would force extra time, Madrid struck deep into injury time.

Brahim sent in a dinked cross which Garcia met at the near post to power home a header which sent his side through to the two-legged semi-final.