FC Barcelona vs Leganés Analysis | La Liga 2024/25

Both Barcelona and Leganés head into this match struggling for form. Barcelona have only won 1 of their last 5 La Liga games, and despite some individual brilliance, they’ve struggled to find consistency. With players like Erick García returning from injury and Lamine Yamal continuing to impress with 3 assists in his last 3 games. Flick, not on the sideline today due to a suspension, will hope his team can turn things around. Ferran Torres, despite his recent goal-scoring run, starts on the bench, possibly set to make a difference later in the match as a substitution.

Starting XI’s FC Barcelona and Leganés

FC Barcelona (4-2-3-1)

• Goalkeeper: Peña
• Defense: Balde (LB), Íñigo Martínez (CB), Erick García (CB), Koundé (RB)
• Midfield: Pedri (CM), Casado (CM)
• Attack: Lamine Yamal (LW), Dani Olmo (CAM), Lewandowski (ST), Raphinha (RW),

Leganés (5-4-1)

• Goalkeeper: Dimitrovic
• Defense: Hernández (LB), Tapia (CB), Sáenz (CB), González (CB), Altimira (RB)
• Midfield: Óscar Rodríguez (LM), Cissé (CM), Neyou (CM), El Haddadi (RM)
• Attack: De la Fuente (ST)

First Half Analysis: FC Barcelona vs Leganés

Dominance Without Effectiveness

In the first half of the LaLiga FC Barcelona vs Leganés match, Barcelona showed their dominance with a staggering 79% possession and control over the game. Hansi Flick’s team utilized their signature high line, keeping the pitch wide with Balde and Koundé pushing high on the flanks. Pedri and Casado provided defensive coverage, ensuring balance and preventing Leganés from exploiting spaces left behind.

Despite their control, Barcelona’s inefficiency in front of goal has kept them trailing. With an xG of 1.91, they had several key chances:

• Lewandowski missed both a header and a one-on-one chance.
• Raphinha’s deflected shot hit the crossbar.
• Yamal’s powerful strike from outside the box went just wide.

Leganés’ Defensive Approach

After scoring an early goal through Sergio González’s header from a corner in the 4th minute, Leganés retreated into a defensive setup. They focused on preserving their lead, sitting deep and attempting to frustrate Barcelona’s attacks. Their offensive play was limited, with only 3 touches in Barcelona’s penalty area and 18 final third entries.

Key Stats from the First Half

• Possession: Barcelona 79% – 21% Leganés
• Expected Goals (xG): Barcelona 1.91 – 0.26 Leganés
• Shots on Target: Barcelona 3 – 2 Leganés
• Touches in the Penalty Area: Barcelona 25 – 3 Leganés
• Final Third Entries: Barcelona 46 – 18 Leganés

Barcelona must capitalize on their chances in the second half to overturn Leganés’ early lead in this showdown. Their dominance has yet to turn into goals, and the pressure will be on LaLiga’s highest scorers Lewandowski and Raphinha to deliver.

Full Time Analysis: FC Barcelona vs Leganés

Dominance Without Result for Barcelona

Barcelona ended the match with a commanding 80% possession, showing their complete control over the game. However, despite an xG of 2.67 and 51 touches in the penalty area, they were unable to break down Leganés’ compact defense. Their high pressing game and wide attacking play couldn’t convert chances into goals, with several shots going wide or being blocked, including an 89th-minute shot from Fermin Lopez that was brilliantly denied by Leganés’ defense.

Barcelona was not able to give the decisive pass in or around the box, often shifting the attack from left to right but not taking advantage of the (little) space Leganés left. At moments, Barcelona looked like it was tired of the game and trip to Borussia Dortmund earlier this week.

Leganés’ Defensive Masterclass

On the other hand, Leganés‘ defense stood strong despite being under constant pressure. They played compact and disciplined, soaking up the pressure with only 6 touches in the penalty area and 38 final third entries. Goalkeeper Dimitrovic played a key role, coordinating his defense and ensuring Barcelona couldn’t capitalize on their dominance. The only shot on target from Leganés in the first half, a header from Sergio González, was enough to seal their victory.

Key Stats After 90 Minutes

• Possession: Barcelona 80% – 20% Leganés
• Expected Goals (xG): Barcelona 2.67 – 0.43 Leganés
• Shots on Target: Barcelona 4 – 4 Leganés
• Touches in the Penalty Area: Barcelona 51 – 6 Leganés
• Final Third Entries: Barcelona 108 – 38 Leganés

Conclusion

Despite the heavy dominance in possession, Barcelona couldn’t convert their efforts into a goal, while Leganés held firm to secure the 0-1 victory and rise to 15th in the league. This loss leaves Barcelona still at the top of the league, tied on points with Atlético Madrid and with just one more game played, while Real Madrid trails by a single point and also one game less played. Let us know down below what your thoughts were on the game!