Barça's Narrow Win Over Leganés Reveals Cracks Beneath the Surface
Last night’s clash between Barcelona and Leganés at Butarque was less a show of dominance and more a quiet grind. A 0-1 win might sound routine for a LaLiga leader, but the performance told a different story—one of tactical passivity, muted creativity, and a squad that seemed to float through the match, conserving energy more than exerting control.
The only goal came via an unfortunate own goal by Leganés defender Jorge Sáenz, after a low cross from Raphinha was deflected into the net. Not a typical Barcelona highlight reel strike, but enough to secure three vital points in their title chase. It was a moment of luck, not of brilliance—yet one that might prove pivotal in this season’s final tally.
Wojciech Szczesny stood out as one of the few truly sharp performers, keeping his goal untouched with a fantastic save early on and maintaining calm under pressure. His confidence with the ball at his feet helped Barcelona manage the tempo when Leganés pressed high.
The rest of the team, however, appeared to be playing with the handbrake on. Lamine Yamal, usually electric on the right wing, barely featured. It felt like a game where he mentally decided to conserve fuel for bigger challenges ahead. The phrase “active rest” might best describe his presence. He jogged through much of the match, engaging minimally—a calculated decision from a player who already understands the rhythm of a long season.
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In midfield, Pedri and Fermín were stifled. Tapia shadowed Pedri effectively, and Fermín’s best moment—a dazzling dribble inside the box—ended with an unbelievable miss. De Jong, introduced at halftime, brought some structure but couldn’t inject any real flair.
Lewandowski, meanwhile, remained mostly isolated. Despite a few early involvements, his impact dwindled, and he was subbed off mid-second half after failing to convert a strong header.
Defensively, Iñigo Martínez had a mixed evening, struggling with pace but salvaging his night with a crucial late clearance. Gerard Martín, unexpectedly called upon due to Balde’s injury, provided a solid, if unspectacular, shift and even started the play that led to the goal.
And then there’s Hansi Flick. The manager made only two initial changes to his starting XI and kept his tactical cards close to his chest. This wasn't a match to experiment or dominate—it was about surviving, claiming the points, and moving on. With key fixtures ahead, Flick opted for rotation-light stability, perhaps aware that a stumble here would give Real Madrid a sniff at the top.
The result keeps Barcelona top with 70 points, a full seven ahead of their rivals—at least for now. But if they continue with performances this subdued, even that cushion might not feel so comfortable. Matches like this remind us that while titles are built on big wins, they’re sealed with gritty, forgettable ones like this.
So yes, Barça won. But it wasn’t pretty. It was a victory dressed in gray. And sometimes, that’s exactly what a champion needs.
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