5 teams exceeding expectations so far in Europe this season - 2017/18

#4 CD Leganes (La Liga)

CD Leganes relishing their astonishing adventure in La Liga so far

Leganes, a city located on the outskirts of Madrid, has locals filled with hope that CD Leganes can pull off something phenomenal in this season's Spanish La Liga.

Los Pepineros (The Cucumber Growers) are currently enjoying life, sitting in fifth place on the league table after nine rounds. With only their second time playing in Spain's first division, the Leganense are playing enticing football, earning respect from some of the giants like Atletico Madrid.

There's no denying that the club's success has been derived from their manager Asier Garitano. Being appointed Leganes boss in 2013, the Spaniard has guided the Los Legionaries from Spain's third tier of football to the La Liga, the latter being the pinnacle competition where Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are creating lasting legacies.

Gabriel Appelt Pires - the Leganes star - is the heart of the team's midfield. A Juventus product, the 24-year-old Brazilian built his defensive skills through several loans in Italy's Serie A and B divisions. The versatile midfielder is fundamental to the Leganes attack through his peculiar chips which see the ball glide over defence lines and find the striker.

Leganes' next three fixtures see them take on Sevilla, an in-form Valencia, and league leaders Barcelona. The minnow club will hope they can continue to be the league's best defensive team and write a story for the record books.