Leganes vs Barcelona 0-1 La Liga 2024-25, Raphinha Goal Secures Win | Match Highlights & Player Ratings

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Leganes vs Barcelona, Barca managed to secure a narrow 1-0 victory over Leganes in a tough La Liga 2024-25 match at Estadio Municipal Butarque. The only goal came from an unfortunate own goal by Jorge Saenz, which was forced by Raphinha’s dangerous cross. It wasn’t a great performance by the league leaders, but they did just enough to take home all three points.

Slow First Half with Missed Chances

Barca started well in the opening minutes. Lewandowski took an early shot, but it flew over the crossbar. On the other end, Leganes came close too, with Dani Raba setting up Adria Altimira, whose shot was saved by Szczesny. Lamine Yamal had a moment of magic on the right wing but struck the side netting.

Both teams showed energy, but neither could break the deadlock. Pedri and Kounde tried to create something for Barca, while Raba continued to threaten Barca’s defence with his sharp runs. In the final moments before half-time, Barcelona suffered a setback when Alejandro Balde had to be subbed off due to injury.

Second Half, Raphinha Creates the Difference

Barcelona looked sharper after the break. In the 48th minute, Gerard Martin won the ball in midfield and passed it to Raphinha. The Brazilian delivered a perfect low cross into the box. Lewandowski was ready, but Leganes defender Jorge Saenz accidentally turned the ball into his own net.

That goal gave Barca some control in the game, though they couldn’t add to the lead. Fermin Lopez had a great chance to score but missed the target completely. Yamal tried from distance later, but his shot ended up in the stands.

Leganes Fought Till the End

Leganes didn’t give up. They pushed forward and even got the ball into the net when Raba scored a header, but the goal was ruled offside. They also had two penalty shouts – one for handball and one for a foul – but the referee waved both off.

Inigo Martinez made a crucial block late in the game to stop Munir, a former Barca player, from equalizing. That defensive moment proved important as Barcelona managed to survive the late pressure and hold onto the lead.

Leganes vs Barcelona, Player Ratings:

• Wojciech Szczesny (7/10): Made an important save early in the game.
• Jules Kounde (8/10): Solid in defence and dangerous going forward.
• Ronald Araujo (7/10): Reliable in duels before being subbed off at halftime.
• Inigo Martinez (6/10): Recovered after a shaky start and made vital defensive plays.
• Alejandro Balde (5/10): Had to leave the match due to injury.
• Eric Garcia (7/10): Versatile and solid in both midfield and defence.
• Pedri (7/10): Grew into the game and helped control midfield.
• Fermin Lopez (5/10): Missed a golden chance to score.
• Lamine Yamal (5/10): Had moments but wasn’t at his best.
• Robert Lewandowski (4/10): Struggled to make an impact in front of goal.
• Raphinha (8/10): Barca’s best player — created the own goal and made a key defensive tackle.

Substitutes’ Impact

• Gerard Martin (6/10): His tackle led to the goal-scoring move.
• Frenkie de Jong (6/10): Helped keep the ball and control the tempo.
• Gavi (6/10): Added energy to the midfield.
• Ferran Torres (5/10): Didn’t contribute much in the final third.
• Pau Cubarsi: Came on late, no major impact.

Manager Watch, Hansi Flick

Hansi Flick’s team looked far from dominant. The performance was not what fans expected from league leaders, but he got the result. His substitutions helped tighten up the midfield and defence. Barcelona now sit seven points ahead of Real Madrid, who are set to face Alaves next.

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Conclusion

It wasn’t a stylish win, but it was an important one. Raphinha stepped up when others couldn’t, and Barcelona managed to keep their title hopes strong. With tougher games ahead, Flick will know that his team needs to do better than this if they want to stay on top.