Barcelona beat Leganes 1-0 with own goal to stay top of La Liga

Jorge Saenz’s own goal lifts Barcelona seven points ahead of Real Madrid in tight La Liga title race.

Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona (left) controls the ball during the La Liga EA Sports 2024/25 match between CD Leganes and FC Barcelona at Estadio Butarque in Leganes, Spain, on April 12, 2025. Photo by Alberto Gardin/Nur

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Barcelona beat Leganes 1-0 with own goal to maintain their lead at the top of La Liga, as Jorge Saenz’s mishap gifted the Catalan giants all three points on Saturday night. The result pushed Hansi Flick’s side seven points ahead of Real Madrid, piling pressure on their rivals ahead of Sunday’s clash against Alaves.

It wasn’t a sparkling performance, but it was a victory that kept Barcelona’s hopes for a historic quadruple alive. The team’s 25th straight unbeaten match in all competitions marked another important checkpoint in their 2025 campaign.

Own goal seals narrow but crucial win

The match at the Butarque stadium was far from a classic. Leganes, 19th in the table and battling relegation, proved a tough opponent once again. Barcelona had lost to them earlier this season at home, and the hosts came into this one hoping for a repeat upset.

However, the breakthrough finally came early in the second half when Jorge Saenz turned Raphinha’s low cross into his own net. With Robert Lewandowski lurking nearby, Saenz panicked and sliced the ball past his own keeper Marko Dmitrovic, giving Barca the lead in the 52nd minute.

From that moment on, Barcelona looked more confident. The forced error gave them space to operate as Leganes were now required to push forward. Fermin Lopez nearly added a second after weaving his way into the box, but his shot failed to find the target. Lewandowski also came close with a glancing header, and young Lamine Yamal’s low strike was well saved by Dmitrovic.

Despite being under more pressure in the final stages, Barcelona’s defense stood firm. Martinez, who had struggled early in the game, redeemed himself with a last-ditch tackle on Munir El Haddadi in stoppage time that drew huge celebrations from his teammates.

“The last save by Martinez was unbelievable,” coach Hansi Flick said. “Everyone celebrated it as if it was a goal.”

It was a moment that summed up Barcelona’s gritty display — not their most glamorous outing, but full of character and purpose. Flick praised the team’s mentality after a demanding week that also saw them thrash Borussia Dortmund 4-0 in the Champions League quarter-final first leg.

Flick focused on results, not Madrid

Barcelona’s manager Hansi Flick was quick to deflect attention from Real Madrid, emphasizing that the team only needs to focus on their own performance. With the La Liga lead now stretched to seven points, the pressure shifts to Madrid, who host Alaves on Sunday.

“The fight and the mentality the team showed today was great,” Flick told reporters. “They have a match tomorrow, but we’re only looking at ourselves. Three points is good, and we had a great week.”

Flick’s words echoed a growing confidence in the camp as the season enters its defining phase. Barcelona remain in contention for four trophies this season — La Liga, the Champions League, Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup — and every game is critical.

Leganes impress despite defeat

For Leganes, the performance offered plenty of encouragement even in defeat. They showed organization, physicality, and moments of quality. Dani Raba was a constant threat, especially in the first half when he set up Adria Altimira for the game’s first big chance. Only a sharp save from Wojciech Szczesny denied Leganes an early lead.

“We leave with empty hands against a Barca that, while it’s true they attacked, they weren’t as efficient as usual,” said Leganes midfielder Renato Tapia. “It leaves a bitter feeling because we put in a great performance.”

Despite the setback, Tapia remains confident that Leganes can avoid relegation.

“We can do it, and I think today we showed it.”

Barcelona’s unbeaten streak continues

The narrow win extended Barcelona’s unbeaten run in 2025 to 24 matches across all competitions, a stark contrast to their early-season slump. Since the start of the new year, they have looked a completely different side — solid at the back, creative in midfield, and effective up front.

Even when not at their best, as in this match against Leganes, the team has found ways to win. That’s the hallmark of champions, and Flick has quietly transformed the team’s mentality since arriving in Barcelona.

Barcelona’s resilience is being tested as they deal with a packed fixture list and injury concerns. Defender Alejandro Balde was forced off before halftime with what appeared to be a muscle issue. Flick provided a cautious update, saying, “Balde is not so good… I will say nothing and we will wait until tomorrow.”

Title momentum continues ahead of Real Madrid test

With Real Madrid still to play, Barcelona’s focus will now turn to keeping this momentum going. Every match is a step toward the title, and if they keep grinding out results — even ugly ones like this — the dream of lifting another La Liga trophy remains within reach.

Barcelona’s next league game will be crucial, but even more so will be the Champions League second leg next week. The commanding win over Dortmund has given them breathing room, and the confidence from back-to-back wins should fuel their charge.

Barcelona beat Leganes 1-0 with own goal to secure another essential three points, and while the scoreline was narrow, the importance of the result cannot be overstated. In a season where margins are thin and trophies are still on the line, this was another critical win.

While the headlines may focus on Jorge Saenz’s unfortunate error, the real story is Barcelona’s continued drive toward greatness under Flick. Whether they achieve the quadruple remains to be seen, but with each passing week, belief is growing in Catalonia.

Barca fans may not remember this match for its beauty, but if they do win the league, it will be nights like this — gritty, hard-fought, and nervy — that proved most vital.