Hansi Flick's below par Blaugrana side needed an own goal to see off struggling Leganes and maintain their title charge.
Barcelona beat Leganes 1-0 away from home on Saturday, thanks to an own goal forced by Brazilian talisman Raphinha. With their lead at the top of La Liga sitting at four points before kick-off, Hansi Flick's side started brightly as Robert Lewandowski sent a warning shot towards the Leganes goal early on, though the forward fired clear of the crossbar.
The hosts threatened despite their limited possession. Wojciech Szczesny had to be alert to deny Adria Altimira, who had been set up by a wonderful run and cut-back from Dani Raba only to strike straight at the Polish veteran.
Leganes couldn't stop the visitors creating chances, however, and Barca so nearly went ahead when Jules Kounde's effort was deflected towards the near post, but Marko Dmitrovic batted it behind for a corner. Lamine Yamal had been kept relatively quiet but soon sprung into action, striking the side-netting after drifting in from the right wing. His fleet-footed approach was matched by the exciting Raba, who led Leganes well going forward, while the hosts also looked dangerous when they tested Barca with a direct approach through the middle.
Yan Diomande had a penalty appeal waved away before the break while Raphinha had to produce a last-ditch challenge to keep the game goalless. Barca were left knowing a more lethal second half would be required to beat a side in danger of relegation, and in the opening minutes of the second half, Flick's team finally found the breakthrough.
Barca nicked the ball and Raphinha was afforded too much space to pick out a cross. Lewandowski was waiting to tuck it home, but Jorge Saenz slid in and ended up poking the ball beyond his own goalkeeper. Any slip-up would have offered inspiration to second-placed Real Madrid, but the goal seemed to ease Barca's tension in possession and punctured Leganes' building confidence.
It should have been 2-0 when Fermin Lopez escaped a few challenges and was bearing down on goal, but the Spaniard contrived to pull his shot wide. There were still some hairy moments at the other end of the pitch, with Inigo Martinez surviving a penalty appeal for handball.
Raba then had the ball in the back of the net for Leganes with a bullet header, but he had wandered clearly offside and the goal was disallowed. Barca were able to keep Leganes at a distance to see out the win, taking their lead at the top of the La Liga table to seven points before Real face Alaves on Sunday.
GOAL rates Barca's players from Estadio Municipal de Butarque…
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Wojciech Szczesny (7/10):
Made himself big to prevent Leganes taking the lead early on.
Jules Kounde (8/10):
Had some dangerous moments going forward and was diligent at the back.
Ronald Araujo (7/10):
Won most of his duels before surprisingly coming off at half-time.
Inigo Martinez (6/10):
Not always comfortable in the first half but settled into the game as it wore on.
Alejandro Balde (5/10):
Offered good width on the left but had to be brought off shortly before half-time with an injury.
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Eric Garcia (7/10):
Snapped into tackles in midfield before dropping into defence, performing well in both positions.
Pedri (7/10):
Had some issues against a physical Leganes midfield but had more success in the second half.
Fermin Lopez (5/10):
Got into some dangerous positions but failed to make the most of them.
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Lamine Yamal (5/10):
Came alive in moments here and there but wasn't close to his electric best.
Robert Lewandowski (4/10):
Would have opened the scoring had Saenz not poked into his own net. Had a few half-chances but couldn't make the most of them and struggled to get into the game.
Raphinha (8/10):
Bright during the first 45 minutes and his teasing cross helped Barca finally open the scoring. Also produced a vital tackle to stop the hosts going ahead.
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Gerard Martin (6/10):
Made a strong challenge which allowed Raphinha to create the opener.
Frenkie de Jong (6/10):
Helped Barca retain possession and keep Leganes at arm's length.
Gavi (6/10):
Added some industry as Barca looked to see the game out.
Ferran Torres (5/10):
Like Lewandowski, couldn't get too much going in the final third.
Pau Cubarsi (N/A)
Hansi Flick (6/10):
His side spluttered throughout on Saturday night and they might have left with only a point had a few things gone the hosts' way. However, they saw it out and can look ahead to better days.