La Liga leaders FC Barcelona maintained their 24-game unbeaten streak but were not at their best in a tight win over relegation-battling Leganes. They had to rely on an own goal by Jorge Saenz to secure the win. The home defender was driven into the mistake by Raphinha’s teasing cross, with Robert Lewandowski waiting in the wings behind him for a tap-in.
Leganes Create Early Chances Against FC Barcelona
Leganes, two points away from safety but winners of the reverse fixture between the teams in December, created the better opportunities in the first half. Adria Altimira made Wojciech Szczesny make a good save, and Dani Raba had two chances close to scoring. Though they were pressing early, Leganes could not achieve the breakthrough they so badly needed.
FC Barcelona Struggles to Gain Control
Hansi Flick’s guests appeared to get some grip after taking the lead. Fermin Lopez strangely fired wide following some excellent skill in a congested penalty area. Barcelona, though, had to rely on luck with Raba’s goal being disallowed for offside and substitute Diego Garcia sliding wide when well-positioned to score.
Barcelona’s Ongoing Dominance in La Liga
The victory takes Barcelona’s seven-point advantage at the summit before their arch-rivals Real Madrid face under-performing Alaves at the weekend (15:15 BST). Barcelona has a strong boost in their pursuit of the La Liga championship with this victory.
Injury Worries for FC Barcelona
Barca only changed two from the team that thrashed Borussia Dortmund 4-0 in their Champions League quarter-final first leg on Wednesday. But still, it was a ragged performance, although it was an eighth consecutive away win in all competitions. They faced a setback in the first half when influential left-back Alejandro Balde had to leave due to injury, which added to their worries.
Close Calls and Lewandowski’s Near Miss
Poland striker Lewandowski was denied his 100th Barcelona goal, with a glance wide of goal from another sumptuous Raphinha delivery. Leganes centre-back Saenz nearly experienced the shame of a second own goal, sending a cross narrowly past the post.
Manager Flick’s team then travel to Germany for their Champions League last-eight second-leg match on Tuesday, where they’ll seek to keep European dreams alive.