Barcelona vs Leganes Prediction, Match Preview & Betting Tips, December 15, 2024
Get ready for an exciting clash as FC Barcelona takes on CD Leganés in LaLiga action. This game is happening on December 15, 2024, at 21:00. The match will be held at the famous Estadio Olimpico Lluis Companys. With a capacity of 56,000 passionate fans, this venue promises a great atmosphere for soccer lovers. Barcelona is riding high at the top of the league table and is especially strong at home. Meanwhile, Leganés is struggling at the bottom, sitting in 17th place after their recent promotion.
In recent games, Barcelona has shown excellent form in both LaLiga and the Champions League. They’ve had a few unexpected setbacks, but overall, they’re looking good. A big boost for Barcelona is the return of Ansu Fati and Marc-Andre ter Stegen to training, which could strengthen the team further. On the other side, Leganés is facing a tough time after a series of losses, including a 3-0 defeat to Real Sociedad, a game that highlighted areas for improvement. With Hansi Flick guiding Barcelona’s strategies, they’ve been tactically sharp, although Flick will be suspended and unavailable to manage on the match day.
Barcelona vs Leganes Prediction & Betting Tip
The general buzz leading up to this game is that Barcelona is expected to win comfortably. With their recent form and a strong squad, a win by more than two goals seems likely. The odds back this up, offering a 2.37 chance for a -2.50 Asian Handicap on Barcelona.
| Barcelona vs Leganes Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Barcelona -2.50 (Asian Handicap) | 2.37 |
Barcelona’s strong performance record, home advantage, and deep squad make them favorites over Leganés. For more on Barcelona’s current squad and stats, check our dedicated Barcelona overview page.
Barcelona vs Leganes Odds
The odds heavily favor Barcelona, highlighting their expected control in this match. Barcelona is given a strong position, especially given Leganes’ difficult season away from home since entering LaLiga.
| Barcelona vs Leganes Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Barcelona Win | 1.20 |
| Draw | 6.50 |
| Leganes Win | 11.00 |
The odds also suggest high chances for a high-scoring game, especially for Barcelona, who have been prolific lately. Visit our LaLiga page for a wider look at this season’s stats.
Barcelona Team Analysis
Barcelona Recent Performance
Barcelona has been playing assertively, evidenced by three wins, one draw, and one loss in their last five games. A standout victory was their 3-2 win against Borussia Dortmund. Yet, a shocking loss to Las Palmas recently reminded them of LaLiga’s competitive nature.
| Home Team | Away Team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Borussia Dortmund | Barcelona | 2-3 (Win) |
| Barcelona | Las Palmas | 0-1 (Loss) |
| Barcelona | Rayo Vallecano | 4-0 (Win) |
| Valencia | Barcelona | 0-0 (Draw) |
| Barcelona | Granada | 3-1 (Win) |
Barcelona has been solid at home, winning four out of five recent home fixtures, showing resilience and tactical prowess under Hansi Flick’s leadership strategies. Despite Flick’s suspension, the team’s form has been impressive.
Barcelona Key Players
Robert Lewandowski has been crucial to Barcelona’s attack, scoring 16 goals this season. Check out Lamine Yamal praising Lewandowski’s scoring prowess to see how his teammates value his influence. Alongside him, Raphinha adds another 16 goals and 10 assists, making a strong case for Barcelona’s effective frontline. Young star Lamine Yamal also regularly shows his skills and potential.
Midfielders Dani Olmo and Pedri offer creativity and skill, helping to maintain Barcelona’s dynamic play. In defense, players like Jules Kounde and Marc Casado provide stability. Ansu Fati’s comeback from injury could further boost their attacking options.
Barcelona Suspensions & Injuries
Barcelona’s season has not been free from injuries, but their squad depth helps overcome these challenges. With key figures like Marc Bernal and Marc-Andre ter Stegen out with ligament injuries, there are challenges, yet these have been managed well.
| Player | Injury | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Marc Bernal | Cruciate Ligament | TBD |
| Marc-Andre ter Stegen | Cruciate Ligament | TBD |
| Ansu Fati | Recovery | Back in Training |
| Andreas Christensen | Recovery | Back in Training |
The impending return of Ronald Araujo is anticipated to bolster Barcelona’s defense. Strategic adjustments have covered the absence of ter Stegen, and potential transfers like Andreas Christensen might impact defense. Flick’s influence is significant, adding depth to the team’s approach despite being suspended.
Barcelona Tactics and Formation
Barcelona consistently uses a 4-3-3 formation. This setup allows them to maintain possession with precise, short passes. Lewandowski leads the attack, supported by wingers like Raphinha and Olmo. The midfield, orchestrated by Pedri, aims to control the game’s pace and flow. Barcelona employs high pressing to regain possession quickly, limiting opponents’ chances.
Against Leganés, Barcelona might leverage set-pieces, rapid transitions, and counter-attacks to exploit their defensive weaknesses. The tactical flexibility and organized play under Flick have been keys to their ongoing success and will likely be so in this game.
Leganes Team Analysis
Leganes Recent Performance
Leganes has had a challenging season so far. They have managed two wins in their last few matches but also faced two losses, including a 3-0 defeat against Real Sociedad, which exposed their defensive flaws.
| Home Team | Away Team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Real Sociedad | Leganes | 3-0 (Loss) |
| Leganes | Celta Vigo | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Real Betis | Leganes | 2-1 (Loss) |
| Leganes | Alaves | 1-0 (Win) |
| Levante | Leganes | 0-2 (Win) |
Leganes’ biggest issue is consistency. While they’re capable of winning, they’ve struggled to string together positive results, especially against stronger teams. They are also having trouble scoring goals, which complicates their situation.
Leganes Key Players
Despite some challenges, Leganes depends heavily on their top scorer, Juan Cruz, who has bagged 4 goals this season. Sébastien Haller provides experience in attack, crucially supporting Cruz’s efforts.
The midfield, held together by Renato Tapia and Oscar Rodríguez Arnaiz, aims to bring stability. In defense, captain Matija Nastasic leads with grit. The possibility of Marcelo joining Leganés could bring in much-needed experience.
| Player | Injury | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Enric Franquesa | Muscle Injury | Late December |
| Daniel Raba | Muscle Injury | Late December |
| Darko Brasanac | Physical Discomfort | Doubtful |
Goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic’s performances remain vital, given their defensive struggles. The team is exploring tactics and options like potential strategic loan signings to help boost their season.
Leganes Suspensions & Injuries
Injuries challenge Leganés’ squad depth. Notable absentees include Enric Franquesa and Daniel Raba, suffering from muscle injuries, with a possible return by the end of December.
Darko Brasanac’s participation is doubtful due to physical discomfort. Leganés is rotating players to manage fitness and performance better.
Leganes Tactics and Formation
Leganes generally opts for a 4-2-3-1 formation. This setup prioritizes defensive stability while allowing quick transitions for offensive moves.
The midfield is crucial in intercepting and transitioning play from defense to attack. Leganes can be dangerous in set-piece situations, leveraging their physical abilities. Quick wing play supports this strategy, aiming to counteract Barcelona’s robust defense and seize scoring opportunities.
Barcelona vs Leganes Head-to-Head Statistics
Barcelona greatly dominates Leganes in their encounters. Out of the last five meetings, Barcelona has secured four victories, comfortably winning the last match 2-0 in 2020.
| Home | Away | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona | Leganes | 2-0 |
| Leganes | Barcelona | 0-3 |
| Barcelona | Leganes | 5-1 |
| Leganes | Barcelona | 2-4 |
| Barcelona | Leganes | 3-0 |
In these past games, Barcelona scored 14 goals and gave up only 3, underlining their strength. Leganes last defeated Barcelona in 2018, pointing out the tough task ahead for them. Barcelona’s home advantage is clear in these clashes, setting the stage for another strong display.
Venue and Weather
This match will take place at the Estadio Olimpico Lluis Companys, a historical venue that enhances the match’s allure. With up to 56,000 fans cheering, it gives Barcelona a big home advantage.
Weather for match day looks perfect for soccer, with clear skies and mild temperatures around 11.69°C. Low wind speeds mean conditions are ideal for a high-paced game, fitting Barcelona’s style of precise, rapid passing.
These conditions will likely help Barcelona attack efficiently and exploit any defensive lapses from Leganés, promising an enthralling match free of weather disruptions.
