La Liga leaders Barcelona suffered a shocking 1-0 home defeat to Leganes on Sunday, dealing a further blow to their title hopes. Sergio Gonzalez’s fourth-minute header secured a historic victory for the visitors, while a lacklustre Barcelona failed to capitalise on numerous chances.
The loss marks Barca’s third defeat in six league matches, leaving them level on points with Atletico Madrid and just one point ahead of Real Madrid, both of whom have a game in hand.
“We started the game half asleep,” Barcelona midfielder Pedri told DAZN. “We’re in a bad run and have to turn it around.”
Leganes took an early lead when Gonzalez powered in a header from a corner, leaving Barcelona scrambling for a response. Despite dominating possession, the Catalans couldn’t break through, with Leganes goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic producing outstanding saves to deny Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha.
Teenage star Lamine Yamal battled through an ankle injury to spearhead Barcelona’s attack, but his efforts fell short. Second-half substitutions, including Ferran Torres and Fermin Lopez, failed to ignite the team as Leganes defended resolutely.
In stoppage time, a Raphinha free-kick soared over the crossbar, sealing Barcelona’s frustration. The victory lifted Leganes four points clear of the relegation zone and marked their first-ever away win at Barcelona.
Barcelona will look to bounce back when they host title rivals Atletico Madrid next weekend in their final match of the year.
