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Real Madrid have one foot in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey as Marco Asensio's smash-and-grab winner just a minute from time gave the European champions some breathing space.
With just one win in the last 5 games, it looked like another harrowing night for the visitors as a determined Leganes almost pulled off another upset after Atletico Madrid and Barcelona went down in their respective games.
Guilty of a terrible profligacy in the final third, Los Blancos found the net in the penultimate minute of normal time after Theo Hernandez whipped in a cross for Marco Asensio to tap home from close-range.
A progress to the last four is almost certain although Madrid's performance remains nothing to write home about. Here's what we learnt from the game at the Estadio Municipal de Butarque:
#1 Real Madrid lacked attacking verve as several chances went begging
As it has been the case all this season, with or without the members of the 'BBC' trio, the Spanish and European champions endured another frustrating spell in front of goal as a litany of opportunities were painfully squandered.
Mateo Kovacic missed perhaps the best chance of the game early on, rifling a shot in the broadside of the barn with only the goalkeeper to beat, whereas Vazquez could only look on as Asensio's cross across the face of the goal went begging. Both the Danis - Carvajal and Cabellos, missed their share of chances too as Madrid played ducks and drakes.
The fact that they enjoyed 68% percent of possession and mustered 8 shots at goal, four of which were on target, makes the scoreline even less impressive.
Real Madrid have established themselves as one of the best attacking sides in Europe in the recent times, but have dramatically fizzled out this season. And last night was no different.
#2 Leganes punched above their weight
Yes, they lost eventually, but that shouldn't take the credit off the stones they showed tonight. Leganes knew their chances in the game was not even a sausage, but that didn't clamp down the fighting spirit they've been exuding since the beginning of the season.
Set-up in an attacking shape of 4-2-3-1, Los Legionarios sparked many a nervous moment in the box as the Madrid defence appeared flat and feeble.
With Javier Eraso swimming against the tide to take control of the midfield, Jose Naranjo and Claudio Beauveu heckled the visitors with their forays and also some shots that forced Kiko Casilla to intervene with juddering stops.
The hosts almost bagged the opener when Marcos Llorente headed against their own post, while Nordin Amrabat injected more poise to their attack with another dangerous effort.
Leganes conjured six shots in a lively night, whilst also keeping things tight at the back for large spells of the match.
#3 More woes for Vallejo
Despite a fair to middling season with Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt, Real Madrid recalled Jesus Vallejo back to the Spanish capital to fill in for Pepe, and may already rue their decision.
The 21-year old's tenure with Blancos went from bad to worse again as he was forced off with another muscle injury - just after 15 minutes into the match - that might keep him out of action for a considerable amount of time.
Vallejo made an encouraging start to life at Madrid with a decent performance against Las Palmas in October, but things have gone south ever since. A red card against Fuenlabrada and appalling defensive errors in the match to Numancia set the cat among the pigeons, and the latest setback just sums it all up.
With more time on the sidelines, Vallejo's chances have diminished further.
#4 The Legas still see a ray of hope
Even though only a miracle can see them pull off a victory at the Bernabeu next week, Leganes still see a glimmer of hope.
Having impressed already with their strong run in the league - just three points off the sixth spot - the Burtarque outfit have also surpassed expectations on the Copa del Rey front with a spot in the last 8 after driving Villareal out in the previous round.
Another robust show against the reigning Spanish champions have buoyed their cause, and despite the slender disadvantage, travel to the capital city with optimal spirits. Even the likes of Fuenlabrada and Numancia have escaped with a draw there.
Leganes are down with the defeat, but certainly not out.
#5 Zidane cuts a clueless figure again
One of the more pressing concerns for Real Madrid lately has been manager Zinedine Zidane's tactical naivety. The Frenchman has ineptly handled the crisis mode that's activated and once again rendered clueless as his side huffed and puffed.
With just one change to the side that started against Numancia last Thursday, the visitors had an unoriginal look about them and the lacklustre performance only served to testify that.
Zidane fell flat on his face after pinning his faith on the Blancos' colt again, and he has only himself to blame. Still without a proper plan or machination, he's leading his side nowhere if he continues to be uninventive like this, as his formulas are fast becoming outmoded.
Real Madrid had an aura of invincibility about them upon his arrival, but after two back-to-back UEFA Champions League wins, that aura is severely punctured, and Zidane is really beginning to feel the heat.
