New Delhi: Barcelona continued their dominant run in La Liga with a hard-earned 1-0 victory over Leganes on Saturday night, a result that could prove decisive in the title race. A second-half own goal by Leganes’ Jorge Saenz was enough to secure the win – despite it not being Barcelona’s most stylish performance – extending their lead at the top of the table to seven points.
Coming off a commanding 4-0 Champions League win against Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona entered this clash as heavy favourites. But unlike their European exploits, this game was more about resilience than flair. Leganes who are currently battling to avoid relegation, put up a strong fight at Butarque Stadium and even created a few dangerous moments themselves.
The first half saw limited goalmouth action. Leganes’s only chance came when Dani Raba set up Adria Altimira, but Barca star Wojciech Szczesny made a solid save. The Catalans struggled to create clear openings and suffered a blow when left-back Alejandro Balde went off injured just before halftime, clutching his hamstring.
As the second half began, Hansi Flick made a few tactical changes. The breakthrough moment of the match came shortly as Raphinha delivered a dangerous low cross into the box, and under pressure from Robert Lewandowski, Jorge Saenz made an error and accidentally turned the ball into his own net. The moment turned out cruel for Legens who had looked solid until then.
OWN GOAL by Leganes player
Raphinha Assist🅰️ pic.twitter.com/zCS3Y1fQRP
— 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗿𝗼𝗼𝘁 (@culersgrasroot_) April 12, 2025
Barcelona tried hard to build on the lead but failed on the few chances that came their way. Fermin Lopez missed a golden opportunity to double the advantage, and Lewandowski sent a header wide from another Raphinha cross. Late in the game, teenage sensation Lamine Yamal forced a save from Marko Dmitrovic, but there was no second goal.
Leganes thought they had found a late equaliser when Raba’s header found the back of the net, only for the linesman to flag for offside. Diego Garcia also went close but couldn’t keep his effort on target in the dying minutes as Barca’s defense was alert and didn’t make any errors.
What next?
While the win lacked fireworks but it was a professional display from a side chasing silverware on multiple fronts. The Catalans are now unbeaten in 23 matches with 19 wins and 4 draws in 2025 and remain in the hunt for a historic quadruple, with La Liga, Champions League, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa still in play. Hansi Flick’s side will be next seen in action on Wednesday as they will face Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal second leg.
Barcelona secure a narrow 1-0 win over Leganes to go seven points clear in La Liga, extending Hansi Flick’s side’s unbeaten run to 23 matches in 2025. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
