Leganes 1-2 Barcelona: 5 Talking Points & Tactical Analysis | La Liga 2019-20

#2 Leganes’ tactics nearly work a charm

CD Leganes nearly got their tactics spot on

Leganes started the weekend at the bottom of the La Liga pile and faced a monumental task trying to take points off Barcelona. However, they nearly pulled off a tactical masterclass to emerge with a share of the spoils and were pretty unlucky to return empty-handed.

The hosts were willing to allow the Blaugrana possession in midfield and were content to block out the spaces ahead. The above led to them maintaining their defensive shape throughout the contest as the visitors pushed and probed for an opening.

Additionally, their wingers tracked back diligently to help minimise Junior Firpo and Moussa Wague’s threat. In turn, that forced Barcelona to look for avenues in-field, an area that Leganes had already compressed.

Moreover, the hosts left En-Nesyri on the shoulder of Gerard Pique and Samuel Umtiti, thereby allowing them to spring swift counter-attacking moves whenever the Blaugrana lost possession.

Thus, it seemed a bit of a travesty that Leganes conceded two goals from set-pieces, especially after they’d kept the visitors at an arm’s length from open play for the entirety of the encounter.

And, while the general consensus before the game would’ve been an easy win for the league leaders, Leganes certainly ensured that Barcelona had to work hard for it.