Barcelona suffers upset to Leganés as LaLiga title race heats up | OneFootball

The LaLiga title hopes of Barcelona took a dent as they surprisingly fell 1-0 to relegation-threatened CD Leganés at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium. The defeat has given a window of opportunity for their nearest rivals Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid to close up on them at the top of the La Liga table.

Coming 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. On the back of a bright opening, Leganés took the lead in the fifth minute when Sergio González powered home a header from an Óscar Rodríguez corner, leaving Barça ‘keeper Iñaki Peña rooted to the spot.

Despite having most of the possession, the hosts just could not break down Leganés’ resolute resistance. The best came from Raphinha in the first period, connecting first-time inside the area, who was denied a stunning opener as Marko Dmitrović tipped his effort onto the crossbar. There was little joy for Golden Boy winner Lamine Yamal, who found himself blazing over in the final embers of the half.

There was more dominance from Barcelona after the break, though clear-cut chances remained elusive. Robert Lewandowski headed over while Jules Koundé missed a gilt-edged opportunity, dragging a close-range effort wide. Leganés sat deep content, thwarting every attempt to restore parity.

Unattentive and uninventive, Hansi Flick’s team was a long way from creating the preciseness necessary for opening the lock of the visitors as Leganés celebrated their first away win this season, just so vital to lifting them four points clear of the relegation zone.

While adding this defeat to the overall recent woes, serious questions have begun to pop up regarding the title credentials of Ronald Koeman’s team. More pressure now comes at Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid as the race for the La Liga crown heats up.