Hits and Misses: Leganes vs Barcelona

Leganes played host to the defending champions Barcelona and were surely written out going into this game. Mauricio Pellegrino’s side had got just 1 point from their opening 5 fixtures and was starting the game from the last place of the table.

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Barcelona, on the other hand, started the game at the top of the table, but hardly played like a team that won the league last season in dominant fashion. Some key personnel like Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba were rested, which influenced the result, as mistakes from the latter’s replacement, Thomas Vermaelen, cost them dearly.

Leganes scored 2 goals in the span of a minute, with Nabil El Zhar and Oscar Rodriguez putting the hosts in the lead after a glorious strike from Coutinho in the first half.

Let’s take a look at the hits and misses from this match

Miss: Thomas Vermaelen

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The 32-year old Belgian was expected to be sold by Ernesto Valverde, but it was Colombian Yerry Mina who was sold and we can see why he was expected to be sold with his performance yesterday night.

Although it could be argued he started at left-back, he was defensively questionable. He didn’t cover well in the aerial game and allowed Nabil El Zhar, the shortest man on the pitch, score a header off the cross from Jonathan Silva.

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It is time for an academy graduate to start at left-back rather than Vermaelen, who is not so good with age catching up with him and his frequent injury concerns.

Hit: Oscar Rodriguez

The 20-year old Real Madrid loanee hit the ground running against the Blaugrana last night. He was ever present in Leganes’ build-up play and was very impressive throughout.

He capitalised on Gerard Pique’s mistake and scored well in a first-time shot, putting Leganes in the lead, after Nabil El Zhar equalised for the hosts.

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Rodriguez will surely be influential for Leganes’ push to stay in the top divison

Miss: Munir El Haddadi

The youngster who impressed out on loan last season at Alaves was given his first start of the season, but he failed to capitalise on his chance and was disappointing throughout his time on the pitch.

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He was caught offside 3 times, which shows how he failed to link up well with his teammates. He did play some decent passes but overall was a disappointing night for the Spaniard.

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