Barcelona endured a shocking 1-0 defeat against relegation-threatened Leganes at the Nou Camp on Sunday, missing the chance to extend their lead at the top of La Liga. The result leaves the Catalan giants level on points with Atletico Madrid, who climbed to second after a narrow 1-0 victory over Getafe.
Early Setback for Barcelona as Leganes Stun the Hosts
The game began disastrously for Barcelona as Sergio González headed Leganes into an early lead just four minutes into the match. The visitors, who had not won an away game all season before this fixture, capitalized on Barcelona’s sluggish start and then executed a near-flawless defensive performance.
Leganes’ goalkeeper Marko Dmitrović was the star of the night, making several critical saves to preserve his side’s advantage, particularly in the first half when Barcelona ramped up the pressure. His heroics, combined with a resolute defensive display from the entire Leganes backline, frustrated the home side and denied them any real chance of a comeback.
Barcelona’s Frontline Falters
Despite dominating possession and creating numerous opportunities, Barcelona’s attacking trio of Robert Lewandowski, Dani Olmo, and Lamine Yamal failed to break through Leganes’ defensive wall. Coach Hansi Flick made bold substitutions in the final quarter, withdrawing all three star players, but his tactical changes failed to yield results.
Barcelona’s lack of sharpness in front of goal was glaring, and Dmitrović’s life-saving saves ensured that Leganes held on for a historic win. The visitors’ victory moves them up to 15th in the table, four points clear of the relegation zone, providing a much-needed boost for the recently promoted side.
Lamine Yamal Injury Adds to Barcelona’s Woes
Adding to Barcelona’s misery, teenage sensation Lamine Yamal was forced off the pitch with a suspected ankle sprain. The 17-year-old winger, a key player in Barcelona’s attacking arsenal, is set to undergo scans to determine the severity of the injury. His potential absence from the upcoming clash against Atletico Madrid would be a significant blow for the Catalans as they look to regain momentum in the title race.
Atletico Madrid Close the Gap
Earlier in the day, Atletico Madrid edged out Getafe with a 1-0 victory, courtesy of Alexander Sørloth’s 70th-minute header. The win marked Atletico’s sixth consecutive league victory and their 11th straight win across all competitions, solidifying their status as serious title contenders.
FT: #AtletiGetafe 1-0@atletienglish get their sixth win on the bounce thanks to a Sørloth goal off the bench. ✅❤️#LALIGAEASPORTS pic.twitter.com/Wzv779CqCv
— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) December 15, 2024
Diego Simeone’s side now sits level on points with Barcelona but has a game in hand, adding extra intrigue to their upcoming top-of-the-table showdown at the Nou Camp next Saturday. The match is poised to be a defining moment in the La Liga title race, especially with both teams battling for supremacy.
Leganes: From Relegation Strugglers to Giant Slayers
For Leganes, the victory at the Nou Camp was more than just three points; it was a monumental achievement for a team fighting to avoid relegation. Promoted from the second tier last season, Leganes have struggled to find consistency in the top flight but displayed incredible resilience against Barcelona.
Defender Jorge Sáenz highlighted the significance of the win, stating:
“Taking the lead so early against teams like this is dangerous because they have so much potential. We were able to defend together and keep them away from our area. Dmitrović made three saves that were life-saving for us.”
Sáenz added: “It’s only three points, but for us, they’re like gold. Things were getting tight, and this gives us a little breathing room.”
What’s Next for Barcelona?
The defeat to Leganes raises questions about Barcelona’s ability to maintain their grip on the La Liga title race. With Atletico Madrid breathing down their necks and a critical clash against them on the horizon, Hansi Flick must rally his squad and address the vulnerabilities exposed by Leganes.
Barcelona’s attacking inefficiency and reliance on key players like Yamal and Lewandowski were glaringly evident in this fixture. The potential absence of Yamal adds to the challenges Flick faces as he prepares for one of the most pivotal matches of the season.
La Liga Standings: A Tight Race at the Top
Following the weekend’s results, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are tied on 38 points, with the Catalans holding a slight edge on goal difference. Atletico, however, have a game in hand, and their current form makes them strong contenders to overtake Barcelona at the summit.
Diego Simeone’s @atletienglish climb to even on points with Barça with a game in hand…
The title race is ON. pic.twitter.com/redjmQOT2f
— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) December 16, 2024
Meanwhile, Real Madrid, who could only manage a 3-3 draw against Rayo Vallecano on Saturday, have slipped to third, trailing the top two by a single point. The stage is set for an intense battle at the top of the La Liga standings, with next week’s encounter between Barcelona and Atletico carrying enormous implications for the title race.
This unexpected defeat by Leganes has thrown the title race wide open, proving that even the league’s giants are vulnerable in one of Europe’s most competitive seasons.
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