Barcelona extended their lead at the top of La Liga to seven points, but required a second-half own goal to secure a narrow 1-0 victory over relegation-threatened Leganรฉs on Saturday. The win stretches Barcelona’s unbeaten run across all competitions to 24 matches.
Hansi Flick’s side, coming off a commanding 4-0 midweek win over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, struggled to break down a resilient Leganรฉs defence at the Estadio Municipal de Butarque. Despite dominating possession, clear-cut chances were limited.
Leganรฉs created the best opportunity of the first half, with Adria Altimira forcing a good save from Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczฤsny after being played through by Dani Raba. Jules Koundรฉ fired wide for Barcelona in the opening period.
The deadlock was broken three minutes into the second half (48th minute). Raphinha’s cross, aimed towards Robert Lewandowski, was inadvertently turned into his own net by Leganรฉs defender Jorge Sรกenz.
Lewandowski, still seeking his 100th goal for the club, had a quiet evening and was substituted later in the half. Leganรฉs thought they had equalized when Dani Raba headed home, but the goal was correctly disallowed for offside.5 Barcelona substitute Fermรญn Lรณpez missed a late chance to make the scoreline more comfortable, pulling his shot wide.
“For us today was a very difficult game but winning was very important. I am proud of what my team is doing in the last few weeks and months,” Barcelona manager Hansi Flick said. “We need to work on our defence and attack. But we’ve got three points and that’s what’s important.”
The victory moves Barcelona to 70 points from 31 games, seven clear of second-placed Real Madrid, who visit Alaves on Sunday. Leganรฉs remain second from bottom on 28 points, two points from safety. Barcelona now prepare for their Champions League quarter-final second leg away to Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday.
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