Three talking points ahead of Barcelona vs Leganes | La Liga

After a difficult outing against Real Betis in La Liga, Barcelona returned to Europe with a stunning win over Borussia Dortmund in Germany to knock the Bundesliga giants down at their stronghold.

They return home for their next match in the league, which is scheduled to start later today at the Estadi Olimpic de Lluis Companys.

Taking on Leganes on Sunday night, the Catalans will be favourites, but can take nothing for granted.

Their opponents currently sit 17th in the standings and are just one point above the relegation zone. Yet it can be recalled that Las Palmas were in a similar situation last month but went on to defeat Hansi Flick’s men.

Barça Universal brings you three talking points ahead of Barcelona vs Leganes.

Flick’s first suspension

Refereeing in La Liga remains questionable as standards are applied variable to different individuals.

Despite all the grace and gratitude he shows for matching officials, Hansi Flick also fell victim to the system in Barcelona’s last La Liga game.

The manager was given a red card quite surprisingly, because he is not very vocal or animated on the sidelines, as many other managers are.

It all unfolded when Frenkie de Jong conceded a penalty against Real Betis last weekend and the referee stepped onto the pitch to check the VAR replay.

After making his decision after review, he awarded a penalty to the hosts and Flick gestured displeasure without saying a wordbut then a straight red card in what can only be described as bizarre.

The manager will thus be unavailable on the sidelines later tonight, just as he will be absent against Atletico Madrid next week. With the coach not around to usher them in, it remains to be seen if that has any role to play in the result for the Catalans.

Nevertheless, he will still be in constant contact with his assistants on the sidelines, as is the case in any managerial suspension.

The return of a monster

Barcelona have seen Inigo Martinez and Pau Cubarsi step up in defense this season and the Spanish duo have done phenomenally well in holding the high line to perfection.

Still, Ronald Araujo, who suffered a serious injury in the Copa America and required surgery, has always had an eye on him, as the Uruguayan star was an undisputed starter for Barcelona last season.

After months of rest and recuperation, he is finally ready to make his debut this season in what comes as a massive boost to Flick’s plans. It brings depth to a department that has two worn out players and the luxury of rotation will do the squad a world of good.

Flick confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Araujo will feature tomorrow and it remains to be seen whether he will come off the bench or start on the night.

Considering Atletico Madrid is next and players like Cubarsi could use a rest, there’s a good chance Uruguayan star can start and play close to an hour at least.

In any case, having Araujo back on the pitch is simply huge for Barcelona given how he is a vocal leader and an excellent defender, and it remains to be seen how he develops under Flick.

No margin for error

Barcelona’s recent matches in La Liga have been far from good enough, as the club has looked lost and uninspired on the pitch.

The attack, muted without Lamine Yamal for a long time, struggled to create as many chances as usual, but even his return has not brought back the best version of the team.

It’s clear the team is struggling to keep up the energy given how physically demanding the new manager’s system is, but the performance against Borussia Dortmund gave reason to believe they can still channel that same greatness.

After dropping serious points in La Liga, Barcelona simply have no more ground to lose. Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have overtaken them in the standings and the coming matchdays will be crucial to ensure they maintain their lead.

Los Blancos dropped points against Rayo Vallecano last night and a win tonight will help Barcelona pull four points clear. Should they beat Atletico Madrid next week, they will also have the chance to establish a gap with Los Rojiblancos.

The Blaugrana will thus face Leganes as if it were a must-win game and keep the momentum they gained at Signal Iduna Park. There is not much margin for error.