Barcelona won a close 1-0 match against struggling Leganés on Saturday, keeping their spot atop the Spanish league standings.
Raphinha continued his stellar season as both a defensive stalwart and an attacking threat for coach Hansi Flick. The Brazilian created the decisive moment when his cross deflected off Leganés defender Jorge Sáenz for an own goal just after halftime. Earlier, Raphinha had shown his defensive work rate, cutting off a key pass meant for Leganés scorer Daniel Rabaseda.
This hard-earned win pushed Barcelona seven points ahead of Real Madrid before the champions face Alavés on Sunday. The season has just seven matches left, including next month's crucial clásico matchup between the rivals.
Barcelona defender Éric García said, "We knew a win would put pressure on Madrid. These games decide league championships. We maintain great form in the Champions League and La Liga, staying exactly where we want — at the top. Today, we had a chance to extend our lead, and we did."
Raphinha continued his stellar season as both a defensive stalwart and an attacking threat for coach Hansi Flick. The Brazilian created the decisive moment when his cross deflected off Leganés defender Jorge Sáenz for an own goal just after halftime. Earlier, Raphinha had shown his defensive work rate, cutting off a key pass meant for Leganés scorer Daniel Rabaseda.
This hard-earned win pushed Barcelona seven points ahead of Real Madrid before the champions face Alavés on Sunday. The season has just seven matches left, including next month's crucial clásico matchup between the rivals.
Barcelona defender Éric García said, "We knew a win would put pressure on Madrid. These games decide league championships. We maintain great form in the Champions League and La Liga, staying exactly where we want — at the top. Today, we had a chance to extend our lead, and we did."
