Raphinha had a chance in the penalty area with a powerful left-footed shot, which was saved by Dmitrovic and later hit the crossbar, allowing Leganés to maintain their lead.
In recent developments, Alejandro Balde achieved a significant milestone by playing his 100th match for FC Barcelona against Leganés—a feat that many might not have predicted when he debuted under Ronald Koeman on September 14, 2021, in a challenging match against Bayern Munich.
Under Xavi’s guidance, Balde surpassed veteran Jordi Alba for the starting left-back position this season. Just shy of 18 years, Balde came on as a substitute for Alba during his debut match and continued to grow through the remainder of that season, leading to his promotion to the first team under Xavi the following year. He played a crucial role in the team, contributing to their successes in La Liga and the Supercopa and even making his international debut for Spain during the Qatar World Cup.
After losing his place, Alba left the club in the summer of 2023, allowing Balde, now 20, to firmly establish himself in the starting lineup. Despite the addition of Marcos Alonso, Balde has continued to prove himself indispensable, although the club is still considering options to bolster the left-back position.
Balde’s journey to 100 official matches includes 72 in La Liga, 17 in the UEFA Champions League, 6 in the Copa del Rey, 3 in the Supercopa de España, and 2 in the UEFA Europa League.
This achievement underscores not only Balde’s talent but also the potential for young players at Barcelona to rise through the ranks and make significant impacts on the team. His dedication and growth serve as an inspiration for upcoming talents within the club, suggesting a bright future for both Balde and FC Barcelona as they navigate their competitive landscape.