Barcelona Stunned by Leganés as LaLiga Struggles Continue
Barcelona’s season hit another low point on Sunday as they suffered a shocking 1-0 defeat at home to Leganés. The loss, courtesy of an early goal from Sergio González, marked the Catalan giants’ fifth failure to win in their last six LaLiga matches. For a team that once seemed untouchable at the top of the table, this slump has raised serious questions about their form and focus.
Midfielder Pedri didn’t mince words after the game, admitting that Barcelona’s performance was far from acceptable. “It was a bad game, it’s impossible to be happy,” he told reporters. “I think we started the game half asleep. We woke up and created chances, but we didn’t have the spark we needed to get the goal.”
Barcelona’s Freefall in LaLiga
Let’s break it down: Barcelona have managed to collect just five points out of a possible 18 in their last six league matches. That’s a far cry from the dominance fans have come to expect. Their lead at the top of the table has completely evaporated. Now, they’re level on points with Atlético Madrid, who they’ll face next weekend, and just one point ahead of Real Madrid. To make matters worse, both Madrid sides have a game in hand.
Sunday’s defeat was particularly painful because it came at the Olympic Stadium, where Barcelona have now lost two consecutive matches. Just two weeks ago, they fell to Las Palmas. For a team with championship aspirations, these home losses are a glaring red flag.
Pedri Calls for Urgency
Pedri didn’t shy away from addressing the team’s struggles. “We have to be better in front of goal if we want to pick up points,” he said. “We’re on a bad run in the league, and we have to turn it around.”
Despite their domestic woes, Barcelona have been thriving in the Champions League. They’ve won five out of six games in the competition, including a thrilling 3-2 victory at Borussia Dortmund last week. Pedri hopes the team can channel that European confidence into their LaLiga performances. “We have had a lot of games in a row, but it’s not an excuse,” he said. “We have to finish with the same confidence we have done in the Champions League. If you don’t score goals in football, it’s impossible to win.”
Missed Opportunities and Defensive Lapses
González’s fourth-minute header was a gut punch for Barcelona, who were caught napping defensively. From that moment on, the Blaugrana launched an all-out assault on Leganés’ goal but couldn’t find a way past goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic. Barcelona ended the game with over 20 shots, including six from Robert Lewandowski, who alone posted an xG (expected goals) of 1.65. Yet, the scoreboard remained unchanged.
Assistant coach Marcus Sorg, filling in for the suspended Hansi Flick, acknowledged the team’s inconsistency. “In LaLiga, it’s very hard, and at the moment we struggle in the games,” Sorg said. “Today, especially in the first 10 minutes, we haven’t focused like always, or sometimes [like we have] in the Champions League.”
Sorg also pointed to the challenges of managing a young squad. “We created a lot of chances, I think 21, and five or six were really good chances, and that’s the problem. We have to learn about it, and the players [have to get] used to playing every three to four days. We are definitely not happy about the form now. But sometimes you have to accept if you want to build a team, in the process there are ups and downs.”
Injury Concerns for Lamine Yamal
Adding to Barcelona’s woes, teenage sensation Lamine Yamal suffered an ankle injury in the first half. Although he played on until late in the second half, the club will conduct tests on Monday to determine the extent of the damage. With a crucial clash against Atlético Madrid looming, Barcelona will be desperate to have Yamal available.
What’s Next for Barcelona?
Barcelona’s final game of 2024 could be a season-defining moment. They’ll host Atlético Madrid in a top-of-the-table showdown, with both teams level on points. Atlético, riding a six-game winning streak, will arrive in red-hot form, while Barcelona will be fighting to snap out of their slump. Can the Blaugrana rise to the occasion, or will their LaLiga struggles continue?
- Key Stats: Barcelona have failed to win five of their last six LaLiga matches.
- Upcoming Match: Barcelona vs. Atlético Madrid next weekend.
- Injury Watch: Lamine Yamal to undergo tests on Monday.
One thing is clear: Barcelona need to wake up—and fast. The title race is heating up, and any further slip-ups could prove costly.
Originally Written by: Sam Marsden
