On Sunday night, Barcelona faced Leganes at Estadi Olimpic de Lluis Companys, encountering a challenging match that tested their resilience. The Catalan giants were pushed to their limits by a determined opposition, showcasing the competitive nature of La Liga. From the outset, the match proved to be a battle as Barcelona aimed to secure crucial points, but they were met with a well-organized defense that made scoring difficult.

Leganes struck first, capitalizing on a set-piece situation, with Sergio Gonzalez heading the ball into the net just four minutes into the match, giving the visitors a surprising 1-0 lead. This early setback forced Barcelona to regroup and refocus, but it also highlighted their defensive vulnerabilities. It was a wake-up call that set the tone for the remainder of the game.

Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances throughout the match, Barcelona found themselves thwarted by a combination of bad luck and a stellar performance from the Leganes goalkeeper, Marko Dmitrovic. The Catalans struggled to convert their opportunities into goals, showcasing a frustrating lack of finishing that left fans and players alike exasperated. Their inability to capitalize on scoring chances ultimately cost them dearly.

As the match progressed, Barcelona’s persistent efforts to find an equalizer were met with a solid defensive performance from Leganes, who maintained a disciplined low block. This tactical setup stifled Barcelona’s attack, leading to another disappointing loss in the competitive landscape of La Liga. The team’s struggles in front of goal were alarming, raising questions about their finishing capabilities as they dropped three vital points.

In light of this challenging match, Barça Universal offers an in-depth analysis of the player ratings from the disappointing encounter where Barcelona fell 0-1 to Leganes.

Inaki Pena’s Solid Performance: Rating 6

Inaki Pena, Barcelona’s goalkeeper, played a commendable role despite the team’s overall struggles. He was relatively faultless during Leganes’ opener, which was primarily due to poor marking by his teammates. Throughout the match, Pena was not heavily tested, as Leganes failed to threaten the goal significantly. His ability to remain composed under pressure was crucial for maintaining a sense of stability in the defense, even as the team faced mounting pressure from the opposition.

Alejandro Balde’s Defensive Reliability: Rating 6.5

Alejandro Balde, the left-back, put in a solid defensive display but was not as influential in attack as Hansi Flick would have desired. While he effectively linked up with Raphinha, his delivery into the box left much to be desired. Balde’s defensive work was commendable, but he seemed to struggle when transitioning from defense to attack, particularly when it came to his crossing accuracy. This inconsistency in the final third limited the team’s ability to capitalize on his defensive stability.

Inigo Martinez’s Steady Contribution: Rating 7

Inigo Martinez showcased a solid performance during the match, stepping up as a veteran presence in Barcelona’s defense. Partnered with a new teammate, he effectively managed to keep his composure and maintain the integrity of the defensive line. Although he faced limited defensive duties, Martinez excelled in his ball distribution and circulation. His ability to connect with midfielders helped Barcelona maintain possession and build play effectively, showcasing his importance in the team’s defensive setup.

Eric Garcia’s Composure Under Pressure: Rating 7

Stepping in for the injured Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia made a commendable debut, showing his ability to hold the defensive line effectively. While he can take partial blame for the opening goal due to a lapse in marking, his overall performance was characterized by calmness and composure. Garcia’s passing was precise, which allowed Barcelona to retain possession during crucial moments. His integration into the lineup was a positive sign, indicating his potential to contribute moving forward.

Jules Kounde’s Impactful Performance: Rating 7.5

Jules Kounde stood out as one of the most effective players on the pitch, significantly contributing to Barcelona’s attacking efforts. His ability to link up with teammates and deliver accurate crosses from the right flank was instrumental in creating scoring opportunities. Kounde recorded an impressive four key passes and emerged victorious in seven duels throughout the match. His dynamic play and strategic positioning on the field made him a vital asset for Barcelona during this encounter against Leganes.

Marc Casado’s Influential Midfield Role: Rating 7.5

The La Masia graduate, Marc Casado, was an indispensable presence in midfield, consistently winning challenges and orchestrating the team’s tempo alongside Pedri. Casado played a pivotal role in maintaining Barcelona’s dominance throughout the match, ensuring that Leganes struggled to establish any rhythm in their buildup play. His relentless work rate and tactical awareness allowed him to disrupt the opposition’s flow, making him one of the key reasons for Barcelona’s control in the midfield battle.

Pedri’s Masterclass Performance: Rating 9

Pedri was undeniably one of Barcelona’s standout performers against Leganes, showcasing his exceptional talents throughout the match. His ability to navigate through the midfield with grace and skill was evident as he effortlessly evaded opposing defenders. The young maestro’s distribution was impeccable, contributing significantly to Barcelona’s attacking play. Few players can match the creativity and vision Pedri displayed, making his presence on the field a joy to watch as he orchestrated the Catalan attack with finesse and confidence.

Dani Olmo’s Struggles in the Match: Rating 5

Dani Olmo’s performance during the first half was notably disappointing, as he appeared out of sync with the team’s rhythm. His lack of control on the ball and frequent turnovers disrupted Barcelona’s attacking flow, resulting in lost possession on 14 occasions in just 45 minutes. While fatigue may have played a role in his struggles, Olmo’s inability to contribute effectively in the final third limited the team’s options, ultimately impacting their overall performance against Leganes significantly.

Raphinha’s Leadership in Attack: Rating 9

Raphinha emerged as a pivotal figure in Barcelona’s offensive strategy, demonstrating exceptional vision and creativity throughout the match. As a captain, he directed the play effectively, orchestrating numerous scoring opportunities for his teammates. His remarkable ability to deliver four key passes in the opening period exemplified his importance in the attack. Raphinha’s confidence in navigating through tight spaces and making decisive plays made him a key asset in Barcelona’s quest for an equalizer against Leganes.

Lamine Yamal’s Dynamic Influence: Rating 8.5

The young talent, Lamine Yamal, served as the catalyst for Barcelona’s attacking play, consistently pushing the tempo and creating chances down the flank. His dribbling ability and quick acceleration allowed him to frequently bypass defenders, although his crossing lacked precision at times. Despite suffering an ankle knock during the match, Yamal remained resilient and continued to impact the game positively. His determination and skill were evident as he contributed significantly to Barcelona’s offensive efforts.

Robert Lewandowski’s Unexpected Struggles: Rating 3

Robert Lewandowski’s performance during the match was surprisingly underwhelming, as he failed to capitalize on several scoring opportunities that came his way. With an expected goals (xG) rating of 1.56 in the first half, the prolific striker could not find the back of the net, leaving fans and analysts puzzled. His inability to contribute to the buildup play further compounded the issue, as he struggled to test the goalkeeper effectively. Lewandowski’s performance raised concerns regarding his form and effectiveness in crucial matches.