After an incredible start to the season, FC Barcelona is wasting points. Their position at the league’s top is under immense threat from Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid. The Blaugranes squandered another point on Sunday, losing 1-0 to fifteenth-placed Leganes in La Liga. Leganes scored an early goal against Barcelona in the fourth minute, while Barcelona failed to score, leaving Leganes with three points.
While they have excelled in the Champions League, winning five of six games, Barcelona has struggled in La Liga for almost a month, winning only one of their past six league games. Barcelona is at the top of the La Liga standings with 38 points, tied with Atletico Madrid, whom they host on Saturday, and one point ahead of Real Madrid in third, with both title contenders having a game in hand.
After four minutes, Leganes took the lead thanks to visiting captain Gonzalez’s unstoppable header past goalkeeper Iñaki Peña. FC Barcelona promptly sought an equaliser, but despite dominating proceedings with over 80% control, they were clueless as they attempted to breach a disciplined and well-organised five-man Leganes defense, squandering many opportunities. The hosts’ frustration mounted after the break, and they wasted multiple chances, with Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal, and Raphinha all losing golden opportunities.
Marko Dmitrovic; the hero for the visitors
Marko Dmitrovic, the Leganes goalkeeper, made three stunning saves throughout the first half. The 32-year-old Serbian goalkeeper made a great reaction stop to deny Robert Lewandowski’s first-time shot in the 10th minute following excellent individual play by Raphinha down the left. Then, in the 33rd minute, he made a remarkable stop to palm a Raphinha volley against the crossbar. Before stepping up again a few minutes later to block a Lewandowski effort.
After the loss, Pedri told DAZN, “We can’t go home feeling happy after what happened today. We didn’t have the spark that is needed up-front to score goals and we have to go into games better, we can’t allow our rivals to score goals in the beginning like this.”
