Kylián Mbappé scored twice to help Real Madrid outgun a feisty Leganes 3-2 and pull level with Barcelona at the top of La Liga on Saturday, while Atletico Madrid fell further behind in the title race.
The match between the defending champion and a team trying to stave off relegation was billed as an easy three points for Madrid. It was anything but as Leganes showed much more bite than expected at the Santiago Bernabeu.
After Mbappé put Madrid ahead from the penalty spot in the 32nd minute, Leganes stunned the home crowd by hitting right back after the restart. Left back Valentin Rosier sprinted clear on the right flank and crossed for Óscar Rodríguez, whose poorly hit shot was pushed home by Diego García.
The minnow from southern Madrid did it again in the 41st. This time, Rosier stole the ball from Brahim Díaz and raced down the center of the pitch before he played Rodríguez clear, who squared the ball for Dani Raba to take the lead.
Even though Leganes continued to threaten a third goal, Madrid capitalized on its chances in the second half to turn it around.
Jude Bellingham equalized when he rushed in to finish off a rebound. Mbappé made it a brace from a free kick, slicing the ball around the barrier and just inside the post after a rigorous foul call that was protested by Leganes.
Carlo Ancelotti's men enter the weekend second in the standings, three points back of rivals Barcelona after the Blaugrana took care of business against Osasuna on Thursday.
Los Blancos headed into the March international break off the back of a 2-1 victory over Villarreal. That win made it four straight wins in all competitions as they continue their push for a treble.
While their form has varied throughout the campaign there is no denying Real Madrid are a force at home in LaLiga this season, as they head into Saturday's match having picked up 34 points from 13 matches.
As for Leganes they currently sit 18th in the table, though they are level with Alaves for 17th as both teams look to stay in the top flight.
The two teams have already played twice this season, with Real Madrid securing a 3-0 win in the reverse league fixture. They also met in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey, a game Real won 3-2.
