Barcelona extended their unbeaten run to 24 games in all competitions (20 wins, 4 draws) with a narrow 1-0 victory over relegation-threatened Leganés, moving seven points clear at the top of LaLiga.
Despite facing a side recently battered 4-0 by Barça in the Champions League, Leganés came out with intensity, nearly taking an early lead through Adrià Altimira, who was denied by goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny.
Barcelona grew into the game with chances falling to Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, and Fermín López, while Marko Dmitrović made a crucial save from Jules Koundé’s deflected shot.
The visitors also suffered a blow before halftime when Alejandro Balde was forced off with an injury.
Leganés continued to fight after the break, but their resistance crumbled in the 48th minute when Jorge Sáenz accidentally turned Raphinha’s cross into his own net.
Fermín missed a golden opportunity to double the lead, and Robert Lewandowski, chasing his 100th Barça goal, went close with a glancing header.
While not as dominant as their recent display against Dortmund, Barcelona secured a vital three points.
They now await Real Madrid’s result against Alavés. Leganés, meanwhile, remain 19th and winless in five matches.
