BARCELONA: La Liga leaders Barcelona lost 1-0 to Leganes with Sergio Gonzalez’s header early in the game handing the hosts their second consecutive defeat in the league in front of their own fans.
Despite excelling in the Champions League with five wins in six matches, Barcelona has struggled in La Liga with only one win in the last six matches.
Barca remain top of the league on 38 points, level with Atletico Madrid who visit the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Saturday, and one point ahead of third-placed Real Madrid. Both Barca rivals have played a game less.
It was Leganes’ first win at Barcelona and put them in 15th place on 18 points.
Leganes took the lead in the fourth minute through their captain, Gonzalez, who headed in a corner kick to beat goalkeeper Inaki Pena.
Barca tried to chase an equalizer, controlling 80 percent of the game and creating 20 attempts, 16 of which were on target, but failed to break through the Leganes goal, which was closely guarded by Marko Dmitrovic.
The 32-year-old Serbian goalkeeper saved Robert Lewandowski’s attempt in the 10th minute, Raphinha (33rd minute) and again denied Lewandowski’s shot at the end of the first half.
In the second half, the hosts missed several chances through Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Lewandowski and Jules Kounde.
“It’s hard to go home happy after what happened today,” said Barcelona player Pedri.