There are some basic truths about about football that will never change.
For one, it’s a game of momentum. Barcelona started the game on the back foot again, and that’s a recipe for failure.
Leganes earned the opening goal because they were the team who won the battle of intensity from the first whistle. And they converted a well-constructed corner set-piece against a disorganized, and unprepared opponent.
FC Barcelona v CD Leganes - La Liga EA Sports Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images
You have to play the game for 90 minutes. And the beginning, for the more talented side, is the most critical stage of all, because that’s when you have a chance to make your mark, and put away an overmatched rival before any bit of bad luck can set in.
Hansi Flick reiterated this point many times in the first few weeks of the season, even when his team was winning games. You have to fight, fight, and keep fighting.
Barcelona didn’t look tired in this match, as they have in recent weeks. In fact, they spent 85 minutes desperately running, and chasing the game.
FC Barcelona v CD Leganes - La Liga EA Sports Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images
They produced plenty of opportunities, right in front of goal, to level, and take the lead, and then some. Meanwhile, Leganes was content to play boot ball, because it was really the only weapon they had in their arsenal.
Robert Lewandowski, missing several shots and headers from 10 yards out. Dani Olmo, the same lack of quality right behind him. Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, creating danger, but also ineffective.
Because, overall, in the way that they attacked, they were in a panic. Firing balls forward, making clunky combinations around the box, especially between Lewandowski and Olmo, in the moments when they had their clear chances, squandering them.
FBL-ESP-LIGA-BARCELONA-LEGANES Photo by JOSEP LAGO/AFP via Getty Images
Meanwhile, Pedri and Marc Casado did their job, providing quality service for their attacking teammates.
Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde were getting forward, and into good positions, and setting up the forwards as well.
But no one was ready to be the hero when their number was called.
By now, with how inconsistent Real Madrid has been, Barcelona should already be in a position to run away with the league. Instead, they are letting the minnows spoil their party week in and week out.
FBL-ESP-LIGA-BARCELONA-LEGANES Photo by JOSEP LAGO/AFP via Getty Images
For the neutrals, it’s going to be an exciting three team race, with Atletico Madrid announcing themselves as a contender for the La Liga crown. Barcelona have a big opportunity in front of them next weekend when the two sides meet.
But some obvious points need to be made, and drilled into the head of the players, as if the season is starting anew. Because in a way, it is.
Show up mentally prepared. Win the game in the early going if you can. Don’t take anything for granted. Because seasons, just like 90 minutes matches themselves, have twists and turns.
With Lamine Yamal out, again for a few weeks, the forwards need to step up and show they can do their most important job. When the ball falls to you in front of goal, at the very least, put it on target. Maybe now is the time to get an infusion of energy from a hungry talent in La Masia.
FC Barcelona v CD Leganes - La Liga EA Sports Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images
Above all else, be confident in who you are. When you face a setback in a game, don’t panic. Manage the game, and get back in it with intelligence, not by brute force. Desperation never works.
As frustrating as the close of this year as been, there is every reason to be optimistic going forward.
A break for the holidays is just what this team needs.
2025 is going to be a big year. Barcelona has a lot to prove, and a special opportunity in front of them.