Barcelona faces a crucial test tonight as they visit Leganes at the Butarque Stadium for the 31st matchday of the 2024-2025 La Liga season. The match kicks off at 10:00 PM Saudi time, and the stakes couldn't be higher for the Catalan giants, who are looking to maintain their lead at the top of the table.
Currently sitting at the summit of La Liga with 67 points, Barcelona is five points clear of their nearest rivals, Real Madrid. However, the team is coming off a surprising 1-1 draw against Real Betis, which halted their impressive nine-match winning streak in the league. Despite this setback, Barcelona remains undefeated across all competitions in 2025, boasting 19 wins and four draws in their last 23 matches.
Head coach Hans Flick is determined to steer his team back to winning ways, especially after their recent triumph over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League quarter-finals, where they secured a commanding 4-0 victory. It’s a performance that has undoubtedly boosted morale ahead of this evening's clash.
"We need to get back to our winning form and show our strength against Leganes," Flick stated in a pre-match interview. The team is also motivated to avenge their earlier defeat to Leganes this season, where they suffered a shocking 1-0 loss at home.
Leganes, on the other hand, enters this match with a fierce determination to escape the relegation zone. Currently sitting in 19th place with 28 points, the team has recorded six wins, ten draws, and fourteen losses this season. They will be relying on the support of their home fans to pull off an upset against the league leaders. "We have to give our all to secure points and stay in the fight for survival," said Leganes' coach.
In terms of lineup, Barcelona will be missing key players due to injuries, including goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen and defenders Bernal and Casado. The expected starting XI for Barcelona includes Wojciech Szczesny in goal, with a defensive line of Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Inigo Martinez, and Alejandro Baldi. The midfield will feature Eric Garcia, Fermin Lopez, and Pedri, while the attacking trio consists of Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, and Raphinha.
Lewandowski continues to be a standout performer for Barcelona, having already scored 40 goals this season across all competitions, a feat not seen since Lionel Messi’s record in the 2018-2019 season. The Polish striker is also the first player in Champions League history to score ten or more goals with three different clubs, further solidifying his legacy in European football.
Additionally, young star Lamine Yamal has been making headlines, recently becoming the youngest player to score in consecutive Champions League knockout matches, showcasing his immense potential as a future star for Barcelona.
As for the historical context of this matchup, Barcelona has faced Leganes ten times in La Liga, winning eight of those encounters while Leganes has only managed to secure two victories. This statistic adds extra pressure on the home side to perform well in front of their fans.
Tonight's match will be broadcast live on beIN Sports HD1, with renowned commentator Khalil Al-Balushi providing insights and analysis throughout the game. Referee Francisco Hernandez will officiate the match, supported by VAR technology to ensure fair play.
Fans are eagerly anticipating this clash, as it promises to be an exciting encounter filled with high stakes and intense competition. Will Barcelona continue their dominance, or will Leganes pull off another upset? The answer awaits as the match unfolds.
