The Blaugrana slipped to their fourth domestic loss of the season on Sunday to hand the title initiative to Real Madrid and Atletico
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Barca went down 1-0 against LeganesLewandowski and Yamal were wastefulDmitrovic shined for the visitors in goalFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportTELL ME MORE
It took Leganes just four minutes to break the deadlock as Barcelona were caught off guard. Sergio Gonzalez, who was unmarked inside the penalty box, converted a clinical header from Oscar Rodriguez's curling corner to hand his team an expected lead. Barcelona started to dominate proceedings as the game progressed, though, and had several opportunities in the first half to score the equaliser. However, star striker Robert Lewandowski had a nightmare outing in front of goal.
The Poland international squandered a major chance in the 10th minute when Raphinha created the perfect goalscoring opportunity for him, failing to steer the ball home from barely two yards out. Raphinha could have found the back of the net himself just after the half-hour mark when he attempted a first-time volley from Alejandro Balde's low cross, but Leganes goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic did an exceptional job in parrying the ball away as it hit the crossbar and went out.
The Blaugrana continued to create chances after the break as they dominated possession, however, some resolute defending from Leganes kept the opposition at bay. Both Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal were subbed midway into the second half after failing to make an impact as Gavi and Ferran Torres were brought in to shape up the attack, however, Leganes held on for a shock 1-0 victory that will have big repercussions for the La Liga title race.
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Former Serbia international goalkeeper Dmitrovic was the star performer for Leganes as his heroics between the sticks denied Barcelona from several clear goalscoring opportunities. He stopped two attempts from Lewandowski from close range and prevented Raphinha from finding the back of the net with a sensational stop.
AFPTHE BIG LOSER
Yamal was surprisingly ineffective for Barca, but Lewandowski was the main villain for the La Liga leaders. The veteran frontman was wasteful throughout the game and missed two gilt-edge goalscoring opportunities. He was put out of his misery in the 66th as assistant manager Marcus Sorg – who was filling in on the touchline for suspended head coach Hansi Flick – brought in Ferran Torres to add some firepower upfront.
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Flick's side will be back in action next weekend as they take on Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid in a mega La Liga encounter on Saturday at home. Barca are only ahead of Atletico in the table on goal difference, with Real Madrid just a point further back – and the Blaugrana have played a game more than both of their rivals.