Barcelona extended their unbeaten run to 24 matches across all competitions and moved seven points clear at the top of LaLiga with a hard-fought 1-0 win over relegation-threatened Leganés on Saturday evening. While far from their free-flowing best, Hansi Flick’s side ultimately did enough to secure a vital three points at the Estadio Municipal de Butarque, courtesy of an unfortunate own goal early in the second half.
Coming off the back of a scintillating 4-0 demolition of Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League midweek, expectations were high for another dominant performance. However, Leganés showed no signs of intimidation and started with impressive energy, pressing high and unsettling the visitors. Dani Raba, a constant threat down the left, nearly gave the hosts an early lead when his cross found Adrià Altimira, whose close-range effort was denied by Wojciech Szczesny.
Barcelona gradually found rhythm, with chances falling to Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, and Fermín López, while Jules Koundé forced Marko Dmitrovic into a sharp save. However, despite a growing share of possession, the visitors failed to register a single shot on target in the first half the second time this has happened under Flick, the other instance being against Real Sociedad in November.
The breakthrough came just three minutes after the restart. Raphinha whipped in a dangerous low cross, and in attempting to clear, Leganés defender Jorge Sáenz inadvertently turned the ball into his own net. It marked the third time this season that Barça has benefited from an own goal in LaLiga a tally only matched by Sevilla.
Barcelona had a chance to strengthen their position in the game when Fermín escaped the defense well but missed an open goal, while Lewandowski, who was seeking his 100th goal for Barça, headed a cross from Raphinha that came close to scoring. Lewandowski was substituted in the 67th minute, with Flick seemingly having the second leg of the Champions League in mind.
Leganés, meanwhile, was far from resigned to defeat. They thought they had equalized when Dani Raba headed in an Altimira cross, only for VAR to rule the goal out for offside. Juan Cruz later squandered a late chance as the hosts pushed for an equalizer, leaving Barça hanging on nervously in the final stages.
Despite a lack of attacking sharpness just three shots on target from 12 attempts and a modest 1.19 xG Barcelona’s ability to grind out results continues to serve them well. Flick may have concerns about the dip in performance levels, but with Real Madrid facing a tricky trip to Alavés on Sunday, the seven-point cushion adds crucial breathing space.
Looking ahead, Barcelona return to Catalonia for two consecutive home fixtures against Celta Vigo and Mallorca before a titanic Copa del Rey final clash with Real Madrid on April 26. If Flick’s men can maintain their momentum, the domestic double could edge closer into view regardless of style points.
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