Barcelona Survive Late Scare to Edge Leganés, Extend LaLiga Lead
Barcelona survived a tense finish to grind out a 1–0 win over Leganés on Saturday, extending their unbeaten run to 24 matches across all competitions and temporarily pulling seven points clear at the top of LaLiga.
The lone goal came in the 49th minute, when Raphinha’s low cross deflected off Leganés defender Jorge Sáenz and into his own net. But the defining moment of the match arrived in stoppage time, when Iñigo Martínez produced a game-saving tackle on Munir El Haddadi to preserve the win.
“The best moment wasn’t the goal — it was Iñigo’s tackle,” said manager Hansi Flick post-match. “Everyone celebrated it. It was the perfect match: clean sheet, three points, and total effort.”
Match Summary: Leganés 0–1 Barcelona
Goal:
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Jorge Sáenz (own goal, 49′) – Barcelona
Key Moments:
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Wojciech Szczęsny made a crucial early save on Adrià Altimira (9′)
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Iñigo Martínez’s 92nd-minute sliding challenge denied Munir a clear equalizer
Flick Praises “Mentality Win” Amid Grueling Schedule
This was Barcelona’s sixth match in just 16 days, and fatigue showed. But the Catalan side showed discipline and grit to manage a dangerous Leganés side, who created multiple chances in the final 20 minutes.
“You have to respect how these players fight through this schedule,” Flick said. “Unbelievable effort again.”
Barcelona now sit seven points clear of Real Madrid, who host Alavés on Sunday.
Injury Concern for Balde
The win came at a cost, with left-back Alejandro Balde limping off in the first half. Flick confirmed that the 21-year-old will undergo tests on Sunday.
“It doesn’t look serious, but we’ll be cautious,” Flick added.
What’s Next for Barcelona
Barcelona’s packed calendar continues:
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April 15 – at Borussia Dortmund (Champions League QF 2nd Leg, Barça lead 4–0)
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April 20 – vs Celta Vigo (LaLiga)
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April 23 – vs Mallorca (LaLiga)
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April 26 – vs Real Madrid (Copa del Rey Final in Seville)
With a Champions League semifinal in sight and the Copa del Rey final looming, Flick reiterated that recovery is now the top priority.
“Now it’s recovery, recovery, recovery — that’s the word I keep repeating.”
Barcelona’s 2025 Status Across Competitions
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Unbeaten in 24 matches
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7-point lead in LaLiga (pending Real Madrid’s result)
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Champions League semifinal berth all but secured
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Copa del Rey final booked against Real Madrid
As the dream of a domestic double — or more — gathers pace, Barcelona continue to find a way. And on this night, it wasn’t about who scored — it was about who stopped one. Iñigo Martínez delivered when it mattered most.
