Barcelona suffered a shock 0-1 defeat at home to Leganes, their second consecutive loss at Camp Nou and their third in six La Liga matches. Sergio Gonzalez’s early header from an Oscar Rodriguez corner proved to be the decisive moment, leaving the Catalan giants stunned and raising questions about manager Hansi Flick’s future. Despite dominating possession and creating several opportunities, particularly in the first half, Barcelona failed to convert their chances and were left to rue their missed opportunities. Leganes, entering the match as significant underdogs, defended resolutely and capitalized on their single clear-cut chance to secure a memorable victory, lifting them to 15th in the league table. Meanwhile, Barcelona, despite the defeat, retained their position at the top of La Liga due to their superior goal difference, level on points with their next opponents, Atletico Madrid.
The unexpected loss to Leganes casts a shadow over Barcelona’s promising start to the season. Just seven weeks prior, a resounding 4-0 victory over Real Madrid at the Bernabeu suggested a bright future under Flick. However, the subsequent period has seen a dramatic downturn in form, with only one win in their last six matches. While their strong performance in the UEFA Champions League and a number of key defensive injuries offer some mitigation, the consecutive home defeats against Las Palmas and Leganes have raised concerns. The upcoming match against Atletico Madrid takes on added significance, with a victory crucial for maintaining their league position and easing the growing pressure on Flick. The previously unthinkable prospect of a managerial change is now a realistic possibility if the team’s struggles continue into the new year.
Leganes goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic delivered a standout performance, denying Barcelona’s attacking threats on multiple occasions. The Serbian shot-stopper showcased his impressive reflexes and agility, saving efforts from Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, including a spectacular tip onto the crossbar. Dmitrovic’s contributions were crucial in securing the unexpected victory for Leganes, earning him the well-deserved Player of the Match accolade. While Barcelona dominated possession and territory, their attacking players struggled to find the back of the net. Lewandowski, in particular, was guilty of squandering several opportunities, while Raphinha came close with a powerful half-volley that struck the crossbar. The Barcelona defense, weakened by injuries, appeared vulnerable, and their inability to convert their chances ultimately cost them dearly.
The match unfolded with Leganes taking a surprise lead in just the 4th minute. A well-delivered corner from Oscar Rodriguez found Sergio Gonzalez unmarked in the penalty area, allowing the center-back to head the ball home from close range. Barcelona responded with a sustained period of pressure, but Dmitrovic proved to be an insurmountable obstacle. He denied Lewandowski twice in the first half, firstly spreading himself to block a close-range effort and later extending a leg to deflect a shot from the Polish striker. Raphinha also came close to scoring, but his half-volley was brilliantly tipped onto the crossbar by the Leganes goalkeeper. Despite their dominance, Barcelona were unable to breach the resolute Leganes defense and went into halftime trailing by a single goal.
In the second half, Barcelona continued to control possession but struggled to create clear-cut chances. Raphinha delivered a dangerous cross in the 58th minute, but Lewandowski mistimed his jump, and the ball went harmlessly over the bar. A late opportunity fell to Jules Kounde, but the defender shot wide after good work from Raphinha and Ferran Torres. Leganes, for their part, defended resolutely, holding off Barcelona’s attacks and preserving their slender lead. The final whistle confirmed a surprising and damaging defeat for Barcelona, leaving them with much to ponder ahead of their crucial encounter with Atletico Madrid.
The unexpected defeat to Leganes highlights a concerning trend for Barcelona. Their inability to convert their dominance into goals, coupled with defensive vulnerabilities, has cost them dearly in recent matches. While their strong start to the season and the mitigating circumstances of injuries offer some explanation, the consecutive home defeats raise serious questions about the team’s current form and the manager’s ability to address the issues. The upcoming match against Atletico Madrid now represents a must-win scenario for Barcelona, not only to maintain their league position but also to alleviate the growing pressure on Hansi Flick and restore confidence within the squad. The performance of key players like Lewandowski will be crucial, as will the ability of the defense to contain Atletico’s attacking threats. The result of this match could have significant implications for Barcelona’s season and the long-term future of their manager.
