In a match that lacked the sparkle traditionally associated with FC Barcelona, Hansi Flick’s men managed to grind out a vital 1-0 win against Leganes, thanks to a fortuitous own goal. The result sees Barça stretch their lead at the summit of La Liga to seven points—at least temporarily—as they keep one eye on Champions League business midweek.
The Catalan giants were anything but convincing in the Spanish capital. Bereft of attacking fluency, they failed to register a single shot on target in a disjointed first half. Their breakthrough, when it came, was more a product of misfortune for Leganes than creativity from the visitors.
Just three minutes into the second half, Brazilian winger Raphinha sent in a dangerous low cross that deflected off the unfortunate Jorge Sainz and into his own net. It was the kind of goal that underlines the thin margins often at play during a title run-in.
Despite the lead, Barcelona failed to build on their momentum. Fermin Lopez squandered a clear-cut chance almost immediately after the opener, and Robert Lewandowski followed suit with another missed opportunity moments later. The lack of composure in front of goal could have cost them dearly.
Leganes, buoyed by Barcelona’s hesitancy, launched a late push. Dani Raba thought he had equalized, only for VAR to intervene and rule his effort out for offside. Juan Cruz then narrowly missed with a late stab at goal, sending a wave of nerves through the Barça dugout.
Flick, clearly prioritizing the Champions League semi-final second leg against Borussia Dortmund—following a 4-0 first leg rout—may have rotated his squad on the night. But this result, albeit scrappy, keeps the league momentum rolling.
With two home games against Celta Vigo and Mallorca to close out April, followed by a tantalizing Copa del Rey final showdown against Real Madrid, Barcelona are entering a critical phase. If they continue to win ugly, it might just be enough.