3 Reasons why Barcelona won against Leganes

Benching two lynchpins in Lionel Messi and Ivan Rakitic, FC Barcelona seemed to be experimenting against CD Leganes on Sunday night at Camp Nou. Considering the lead at the top and home-crowd advantage, the gamble sounded sane from Valverde’s standpoint. To reap his efforts, the hosts put on some impressive display early in the match. Ousmane Dembele shone the brightest to make a key contribution in the opening goal.

Leganes were also a bit attractive on the flip side. The visitors looked to put in a good show from the start. However, the French winger’s flamboyance overshadowed them to put La Blaugrana in the driver’s seat at the end of the first half.

Dembele's injury and Leganes' comeback goal opened the contest once again. Resorting back to his trump cards, the ex-Athletico Bilbao manager brought in both Messi and Rakitic. The Argentine talisman turned the game in his side’s favour with an assist and goal.

Let us now look at 3 reasons why Barcelona won against Leganes.

#1 Healthy Squad Rotation by Barcelona boss

Despite getting accused of not encouraging the academy graduate like Denis Suarez, Sergi Samper and others by Barca fans, Victor Valverde has been changing the starting line-up every now and then.

Right when it was believed that Dembele lacked the discipline required by a Barcelona player, the boss encouraged him to be himself and the result is there for everyone to see. Of late, Philipe Coutinho has been having similar issues. Nevertheless, the Brazilian has been given the starting spot in the recent matches.

The scenario has created an assurance of playtime in every player’s mind. Consequently, a tough cum healthy competition is there for every single position. Hence every single player is giving their best when given some playtime. The squad rotation also optimizes the playtime for regular starters, thereby preventing fatigue.