Leganes vs Barcelona Review
Barcelona increased their lead at the top of La Liga to seven points by maintaining their unbeaten streak to 24 matches in all competitions (20 wins, 4 draws) with a hard-earned 1-0 win against Leganés, who are fighting against relegation. Borja Jiménez’s team started strong, putting pressure on their renowned opponents. They nearly scored first when Dani Raba made a strong run down the left side and found Adrià Altimira, but he was thwarted by Wojciech Szczęsny.
As the first half progressed, the Catalans gradually asserted more control over the game, prompting Marko Dmitrović to make a great save at his near post, deflecting Jules Koundé’s redirected shot to safety. Before halftime, Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, and Fermín López all had opportunities to score, while Alejandro Balde had to leave the match due to injury. Hansi Flick’s team faced a tough first half, with Raba once again posing a threat by sending a powerful left-footed shot just wide of the goal.
El Lega displayed commendable determination, but their defense was compromised in unfortunate circumstances just three minutes into the second half when Jorge Sáenz accidentally redirected Raphinha’s cross into his own net, allowing the ball to slip past Dmitrović. Fermín had a chance to extend their lead with some impressive footwork in the box but unfortunately missed what seemed to be an easy shot. Meanwhile, Robert Lewandowski was on the hunt for his 100th goal for Barça and nearly achieved it with a glancing header from Raphinha’s cross that went just wide of the post.
In the end, this match did not showcase the same exciting football that Flick’s team had demonstrated all season long. However, these important three points challenge Real Madrid, who will play against Alavés on Sunday. On the other hand, Leganés has not won in their last five matches (with one draw and four losses) and sits in 19th place, two points away from safety.
