Barcelona suffer upset against Leganes as La Liga title race heats up | OneFootball

Barcelona’s La Liga title hopes were dented as they surprisingly fell 1-0 to relegation-threatened CD Leganes at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium yesterday.

The defeat has given a window of opportunity for Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid to close on them at the top of the La Liga table.

Coming into the game off a run of just one win in their last five league matches, it was clear from the opening exchanges which side was in crisis.

Leganes took the lead in the fifth minute when Sergio González powered home a header from an Oscar Rodriguez corner, leaving Barca goalkeeper Inaki Pena rooted to the spot.

Despite having most of the possession, the hosts could not break down Leganes’ resolute resistance.

The best chance came from Raphinha in the first half, but he was denied a stunning opener as Marko Dmitrovic tipped his effort onto the crossbar.

There was little joy for Golden Boy winner Lamine Yamal, who blazed over in the final embers of the half.

There was more dominance from Barcelona after the break, although clear-cut chances remained elusive.

Robert Lewandowski headed over while Jules Kounde missed a gilt-edged opportunity, dragging a close-range effort wide. Leganes sat deep, content to thwart every attempt to restore parity.

Hansi Flick’s team was a long way from creating the preciseness necessary for breaking down Leganes as they celebrated their first away win this season.

While adding this defeat to the overall recent woes, serious questions have begun to pop up regarding Barca’s title credentials.

Their Madrid rivals are ready to pounce on any further slip-ups.