Barcelona emerged as 1-0 winners against Leganes in La Liga on Saturday night, extending their lead at the top of the table over Real Madrid.
The hosts produced the first real chance of the game when Daniel Raba found Adria Alti on the edge of the penalty area shortly after the 10-minute mark, but despite generating a powerful shot, he failed to trouble Wojciech Szczesny too much.
Barca were forced to make a change in the first half, with Alejandro Balde suffering an injury close to the interval and replaced by Gerard Martin.
The visitors applied pressure in the opening stages of the second half and took the lead courtesy of Jorge Saenz‘s own goal after he deflected Raphinha‘s cross into the back of the net.
Barca held onto their one-goal lead and secured all three points, ending the night in first place with 70 pointswhile Leganes are second last in the relegation zone with 28 points.
SPORTS MOLE’S VERDICT
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Hansi Flick will know that Barca need five wins from the team’s remaining seven La Liga games to secure the title and beat Real to first place.
However, the injury to Balde will be a real concern to the German manager, especially as it looks like his side are one of the favourites to win the Champions League.
Meanwhile, 19th-placed Leganes are two points and two places from safety, but 17th-placed Deportivo Alaves boast the advantage of a game in hand.
Leganes vs. Barcelona Highlights
12th min: Adria Alti (Leganes) chance
Daniel Raba makes a driving run on the left-hand side before squaring a pass ball to Adria Alti on the edge of the box, and he strikes powerfully at goal but Wojciech Szczesny saves his central shot.
The best chance of the game so far!
48th min: Leganes 0-1 Barcelona (Jorge Saenz own goal)
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Raphinha carries the ball down the left flank and plays a low cross towards the penalty area but while Jorge Saenz tries to intercept, his sliding challenge inadvertently sees him hit the ball into his own net.
A poor error!
41st min: Alejandro Balde (Barcelona) injury
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Barcelona make a change at left-back, with Alejandro Balde going down with an injury, and the defender is unable to continue so Hansi Flick replaces him with Gerard Martin.
A huge blow for Barca!
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Jules Kounde was exceptional with the ball, registering the most touches (105) and the most accurate passes (69) of any player on the pitch.
The Frenchman was also crucial to Barca’s defence, winning three of his four tackles and coming out on top in 12 of his 15 duels, the most of any player on either team.
Leganes vs. Barcelona Match Stats
Possession: Leganes 34% -66% Barcelona
Shots: Leganes 6-12 Barcelona
Shots on target: Leganes 1-3 Barcelona
Corners: Leganes 4-8 Barcelona
Fouls: Leganes 10-4 Barcelona
BEST STATS
WHAT NEXT?
Leganes take on Mallorca in La Liga next Saturday away from home before hosting Girona on April 24 in the league.
As for Barca, they will play the second leg of their quarter-final clash in the Champions League against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday, and they then face Celta Vigo on Saturday.
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