Five things to know ahead of Barça v Leganés
The next game for Barça is a home match against Leganés, fulfilling the matchday 17 LaLiga fixture (kick-off 9.00pm CET on 15 December). The blaugranes will be aiming for victory as always to remain league leaders and to get back to winning ways after the draw in the previous match. Their opponents from Madrid will also be looking for a win of course, especially as they are currently in seventeenth position, just two points above the relegation places. Here's a look into five facts about the match.
Chance to turn around league form
Hansi Flick's side aren't going through their best patch of form in the domestic league at the moment. In fact, they have only won one of their last five LaLiga games – the away fixture at the Son Moix stadium against Mallorca. As such, a win would get things back on track and what better time and place to do it than in front of the fans at home. A victory would see the blaugranes move to 41 points.
Struggles away from home
Visitors Leganés will be wanting a win to move away from the relegation zone. The Madrid side's away form doesn't make for good reading, however, as Borja Jiménez's side haven't won any of their last eight away games in LaLiga, their last victory coming back in July 2020 when they defeated Athletic Club 0-2. All the same, their eight away fixtures this season include five draws.
A former blaugrana up front
There is an old friend of the blaugrana family in the Leganés squad, as Munir El-Haddadi is part of Leganés' roster this season. He has one goal to his name so far, scoring in his side's 4-3 defeat away to Girona.
Munir has scored two goals against the blaugranes in LaLiga since leaving the Club – one for Las Palmas and one while on loan at Valencia.
Strong at home
Barça's numbers at home against Leganés in all competitions make for positive reading. as they have won all five played so far – four in LaLiga (2016/17, 2017/18, 2018/19, and 2019/20) and one in the Copa del Rey (2018/19). What's more, they obtained clean sheets in the last two games.
Omens look good
Barça and Leganés have played each other in LaLiga eight times over the years, with the blaugranes winning seven and only losing once. Only Real Sporting de Gijón with two losses out of two (100%) have a higher losing percentage against Barça in LaLiga than Leganés (87.5%).