Barcelona suffered a shock 1-0 defeat at home to Leganes, their second consecutive loss at Camp Nou and their third in six La Liga matches. Sergio Gonzalez’s early header from an Oscar Rodriguez corner proved to be the decisive moment, leaving the Catalan giants stunned and questioning their recent form. Despite dominating possession and territorial advantage, Barcelona struggled to create clear-cut chances, particularly in the second half, and their profligacy in front of goal ultimately cost them. Robert Lewandowski, typically a reliable source of goals, was guilty of squandering several opportunities, though Leganes goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic deserves credit for his impressive performance, denying the Polish striker on multiple occasions. While the defeat is a setback, Barcelona remain top of La Liga, albeit only on goal difference, ahead of a crucial clash with Atletico Madrid. Leganes, meanwhile, climbed to 15th place, boosted by their unexpected victory.
The loss raises serious questions about the direction of Barcelona under manager Hansi Flick. Just seven weeks prior, a resounding 4-0 victory over Real Madrid at the Bernabeu had painted a picture of dominance and instilled optimism about Flick’s tenure. However, the subsequent period has seen a dramatic downturn in form, with only one win in their last six matches across all competitions. Injuries to key defensive players, including Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen, along with the season-ending injury to goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, have undoubtedly hampered their progress. However, the lackluster performances against Las Palmas and now Leganes, both considered winnable fixtures for a club of Barcelona’s stature, have exposed deeper issues. The upcoming match against Atletico Madrid takes on added significance, as a victory would not only solidify their position at the top of the table but also provide a much-needed boost in morale. A negative result, however, could further intensify the pressure on Flick and spark speculation about his future at the club.
Marko Dmitrovic, the Leganes goalkeeper, was undoubtedly the standout performer of the match. While Barcelona’s attacking struggles contributed to their downfall, Dmitrovic’s exceptional display between the posts proved crucial in securing the victory for the underdogs. He showcased his shot-stopping prowess with a variety of saves, denying Lewandowski from close range, tipping a Raphinha half-volley onto the crossbar, and using his legs to thwart another effort from the Polish forward. Without Dmitrovic’s heroics, Barcelona could easily have scored multiple goals in the first half, and his performance earned him the well-deserved accolade of Player of the Match. His resilience and ability to withstand Barcelona’s pressure were instrumental in Leganes’ unexpected triumph.
The match highlights underscore the surprising nature of the result. Sergio Gonzalez’s early goal, a free header from a corner, set the tone for the evening, giving Leganes an unexpected lead that they defended resolutely. Despite Barcelona’s attempts to respond, Dmitrovic remained impenetrable, denying Lewandowski and Raphinha on several occasions. Raphinha’s near miss, when his half-volley struck the crossbar, epitomized Barcelona’s frustrating evening. Even when presented with clear-cut opportunities, they lacked the clinical finishing touch needed to break down the determined Leganes defense. Kounde’s late miss, after a clever backheel from Torres, further compounded their misery, highlighting their inability to capitalize on the chances they created.
The player ratings reflect the contrasting fortunes of the two teams. Dmitrovic’s 8/10 rating underscores his crucial role in Leganes’ victory. Gonzalez, who scored the winning goal, also received an 8/10, while other Leganes players were consistently rated around the 6-7 mark, reflecting a solid and disciplined team performance. On the Barcelona side, the ratings were generally lower, with Lewandowski receiving a 5/10 for his wasteful display in front of goal. Raphinha and Pedri were among the few Barcelona players to earn higher ratings, reflecting their efforts to create chances, but their contributions were ultimately in vain. The overall impression from the ratings is that Leganes outperformed expectations, while Barcelona underperformed significantly.
This unexpected defeat for Barcelona raises significant concerns about their consistency and ability to compete against teams they would typically expect to beat comfortably. While they remain top of the table, their recent form suggests that their position is precarious. The upcoming match against Atletico Madrid will be a crucial test of their character and ability to bounce back from this setback. The pressure is now on Hansi Flick to address the underlying issues that have contributed to their recent slump and find a way to restore the team’s confidence and winning mentality. Failure to do so could see them fall further behind in the title race and potentially cost Flick his job.
