CD Leganes continued their encouraging pre-season preparations with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Qatari side Al Rayyan in an international club friendly on August 5, 2026. The Spanish second-division outfit showed good character to overturn an early deficit, with their attacking intent paying off in a competitive but entertaining contest.

Match overview

The friendly served as valuable preparation for both teams, offering Leganes a test against a physically strong and technically capable opponent. Al Rayyan started brightly and took the lead, but the home side responded well, equalizing before halftime and then finding the winner in the second period.

Leganes controlled large portions of the match after the break, using their pressing game to disrupt Al Rayyan’s buildup and create several promising opportunities. The result will give the Spanish side confidence as they continue their pre-season schedule.

Key moments

• Al Rayyan strikes first: The visitors opened the scoring with a well-taken goal, catching Leganes' defense off guard.
• Leganes level: A composed finish from inside the box restored parity before the interval.
• Decisive winner: Leganes completed the turnaround with a powerful second-half strike to make it 2-1.
• Late resistance: Al Rayyan pushed forward in the closing stages, but Leganes held firm defensively.

Tactical observations

Leganes showed flexibility in their approach, shifting from a direct style in the first half to a more possession-based system after the break. The central midfielders dictated the tempo and allowed the full-backs to push high, creating overloads in wide areas. Al Rayyan, meanwhile, demonstrated their quality in transition and will benefit from the intensity of this friendly.

What it means

For CD Leganes, the victory extends a positive run of results in pre-season, with several players staking their claims for starting roles. Al Rayyan's trip to Spain provided a demanding test against European opposition, and the Qatari side will take useful lessons back with them as they prepare for their domestic season.