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Barcelona moved seven points clear at the top of La Liga after a narrow 1–0 win over relegation-threatened Leganes on Saturday, thanks to a Jorge Saenz own goal.
With second-placed Real Madrid set to face Alaves on Sunday, Hansi Flick’s men seized the opportunity to put more distance between themselves and their closest rivals, albeit in unconvincing fashion at the Butarque stadium.
The Catalan giants, who remain on course for a historic quadruple this season, were far from their fluid best just days after dismantling Borussia Dortmund 4–0 in the Champions League. But their battling display was enough to grind out a crucial result in a tense encounter.
“The fight and mentality the team showed today was great,” said Flick. “Real Madrid play tomorrow, but we’re only focusing on ourselves. Three points is what matters, and it caps off a great week.”
Barcelona had suffered a 1–0 defeat at home to Leganes back in December, during a difficult period which they have since turned around impressively. They are now unbeaten in 24 matches since the start of 2025.
Leganes, sitting 19th in the table and fighting for survival, set out to frustrate from the off, mirroring their successful approach from the reverse fixture. Their tactical fouling and time-wasting slowed the game, and they came closest to scoring in a cagey first half.
Dani Raba surged down the left past Inigo Martinez and set up Adria Altimira, but the Leganes midfielder’s close-range strike was well saved by veteran Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.
At the other end, a deflected effort from Jules Kounde was pushed away by Marko Dmitrovic in one of few first-half chances for the visitors.
Barcelona were forced into a change before the break when defender Alejandro Balde limped off with what appeared to be a muscle injury. Flick was cautious afterwards: “Balde’s not doing well… we’ll wait until tomorrow before saying more.”
The breakthrough came early in the second half after Flick introduced Frenkie de Jong for Ronald Araujo, shifting Eric Garcia into defence. Raphinha’s low cross was turned into his own net by Saenz, with Robert Lewandowski lurking behind.
That goal sparked a more assertive spell from Barcelona. Fermin Lopez battled into the area but dragged his shot wide, while Lewandowski nodded just past the post from another Raphinha delivery. Lamine Yamal also forced a save at the near post as Barca pressed for a second.
Leganes thought they had equalised with 20 minutes left when Raba headed home, but the goal was chalked off for offside. Substitute Diego Garcia later spurned a golden opportunity, firing wide with Szczesny stranded.
In stoppage time, former Barcelona forward Munir El Haddadi had a clear sight of goal, only to be denied by a superb last-ditch tackle from Inigo Martinez.
“The last tackle from Martinez was unbelievable,” said Flick. “Everyone celebrated it as if it were a goal.”
Despite the defeat, Leganes showed fighting spirit and remain just two points from safety. “It’s so tough… we leave empty-handed against a Barca side who weren’t as clinical as usual,” said midfielder Renato Tapia. “But we showed we’re capable of staying up.”
