By Emmanuel Abi Couson
Catalan giants Barcelona were stunned by a single goal scored by
Sergio Gonzalez in Sunday night’s La Liga contest at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.
Barcelona entered the match knowing that a victory would have moved them three points clear of second-placed Atletico Madrid at the top of the La Liga table ahead of next weekend’s showdown between the top two.
However, Leganes took a shock lead early on, with Gonzalez heading a corner from Oscar Rodriguez into the back of the net – the opener came just 195 seconds into the match, making it the earliest goal conceded by Barcelona this season.
Hansi Flick’s side had 80% of the possession and managed 20 attempts on the night, but just four of their efforts were on target, and an incredible defensive performance from Leganes saw them hold on for their first-ever away victory over Barcelona.
This defeat must have come as a huge news for Atletico and Real Madrid in the terms of their title ambitions this season.
With this away victory, Leganes have now mustered 18 points in the division, which has left them four points ahead of the bottom three.
It was supposed to be a routine home victory for Barcelona, and it looked a very tough night for Leganes on paper considering that Raphinha, Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski started as the front four.
Barcelona just could not find a route past Leganes goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic, though, with the 32-year-old making three excellent saves, and even Ferran Torres, who has been in fine form of late, could not make a difference off the bench.
And with Real Madrid dropping points on Saturday, drawing 3-3 with Rayo Vallecano and Atletico Madrid fine form, winning each of their last 11 matches in all competitions, including a 1-0 success over Getafe in La Liga on Saturday, the Spanish title race will be fascinating.
Atletico are now level on points with Barcelona with a game in hand, and the two sides will meet for a blockbuster contest next weekend.
Barcelona have now been beaten on four occasions in La Liga this term, with three of those coming in their last six matches, and it is set to be an incredibly open title race in La Liga this season, as the two giants of Spanish football are both having their problems.
Atletico boss Diego Simeone will surely be growing in confidence in terms of a title challenge this term.
Leganes, meanwhile, will be bidding to build on their sensational result when they welcome Villarreal next Saturday.
