Raphinha made an impressive attempt in the box with a left-footed strike, but Dmitrovic managed to block it, and the ball ricocheted off the crossbar, preserving Leganés’ lead.
In the wake of this moment, Alejandro Balde marked his 100th match with FC Barcelona against Leganés—a milestone that few would have predicted when he made his debut on September 14, 2021, under Ronald Koeman during a difficult game against Bayern Munich.
At just 17 years old, Balde came on as a substitute for Jordi Alba in that match and ended the season with six official appearances, gradually making his mark while playing under Sergi Barjuán in the reserves. His career took a significant turn when he solidified his position in the first team under Xavi Hernández the following season, even displacing Alba from the starting lineup, participating in 44 games that contributed to winning the La Liga and Copa del Rey titles, along with making his debut for the Spanish national team during the Qatar World Cup.
Faced with a reduced role, Jordi Alba left Barcelona in the summer of 2023, allowing the now 20-year-old Balde to claim his position as the starting left-back. Despite the acquisition of Marcos Alonso, Balde’s presence remained unchallenged. Although Barcelona continues to explore potential options in this position, Balde’s consistent performances over three years have solidified his standing in the team.
After suffering a tendon injury in January that sidelined him for the rest of the last season, interest in potential signings diminished due to Balde’s impressive recovery and the emergence of Gerard Martín from the reserves as a backup. As a result, Balde has now completed 100 official matches, with 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.
Balde’s journey emphasizes the potential and resilience of young athletes in professional sports, highlighting how talent can shine through even in challenging circumstances. His continuing rise with Barcelona not only showcases his skills but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring footballers.
This narrative also hints at a promising future for Barcelona as they nurture homegrown talent amidst strategic roster adjustments. Balde’s growth could play a key role as the team looks to regain its dominant form in both domestic and European competitions.