Barcelona edged a dogged Leganes 1-0 in a grueling La Liga encounter, with a goal the deciding factor.
The victory leaves the Blaugrana seven points ahead at the summit of the table, further strengthening their grip on the title race and putting even more pressure on their arch-nemesis.
Although Flick’s team was unable to penetrate Leganes’ stubborn defense for large periods of the game, they showed grit to claim three crucial points—proving that even on a day when they were not exactly at their best, this Barcelona team can still win when it matters most.
Here are the 5 key things Barcelona learned from the game against Leganes
1. Battles Against Low Blocks Continue
Despite possessing, Barcelona found it challenging to penetrate Leganes’ tight defense during the game.
The inability to have penetrating passing and movement early on denied the clear-cut opportunities, and this was a consequence of the need for improved solutions against deep-lying teams.
2. Defensive Weaknesses When Under Pressure
Though Barça maintained a clean sheet, Leganes continued to exploit loopholes in the second half, primarily on counter-attacks.
The defense was solid as a rock but wobbly at times, proving that the team requires improvement in defensive transition.
3. Overreliance on Opponent Errors
Barcelona’s target was an own goal via Raphinha’s cross, not from a well-worked opportunity.
Against better teams, the team must make more substantial attacks rather than relying on defensive errors.
4. Second-Half Decline in Control
Once they had taken the lead, Barcelona allowed Leganes to dominate large parts of the second half.
The midfield lost its grip, and the defense was repeatedly tested. The team must learn to close out matches with better game management.
5. The Absence of Ruthlessness in Attack
Even to triumph, Barça created few meaningful chances.
The attack was blunt in the third with Lewandowski, at times, isolated.
There is a need for more creativity and clinical finishing to turn possession into goals.
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