Real Madrid slips, drop points but Barca once again fails to capitalize and frustratingly loses 1-0 to Leganes. The game’s sole goal came in the 4th minute when Sergio Gonzalez came from behind unmarked to head it past Inaki Pena on a cross from the corner by Oscar Rodriguez. But the more bitter blow to Blaugrana came when in a late challenge Leganes defender took down the star boy Lamine Yamal who instantly seemed to be in pain and the medical team had to rush to his aid, while it appeared that he would be ok to continue, he was seen in discomfort and limping throughout the match.
Lamine Yamal out for the year!
And then happened what every Barca fan was praying to avoid, news came out after the Match that Lamine Yamal is injured and out for 3-4 weeks, officially ending his 2024. This leaves Barca without their best creator and vulnerable to dropping more points even more so when they have a big clash against Atletico Madrid coming up
La Masia has always had Barca’s back
Yamal was a gift to Barca’s first team by La Masia and now that he is sidelined for some time the academy has the power to come to the rescue again. There are thriving wingers produced that are playing for La Masia and Barca Atletic but one name stands out for anyone who follows the reserve team and that is Dani Rodriguez.
The La Masia graduate who can step up
Dani Rodriguez a Basque-origin 19-year-old who is turning heads after coming back from an injury bagging 4 G/A in 3 games with less than 45 minutes played in each of them. Terrifying defenders in the Spanish 3rd division he has both the speed and dribbling skills that the first team needs right now. In my opinion, a player like him will be a key tactical answer against teams with low block that do not give space to players like Raphinha, Lewandoski and Olmo. He is a similar player to Yamal in the context that he can create something out of nothing. When facing a team playing with a lot of defenders he can get past 2-3 and create a chance either for himself or teammates as he is equally world-class in his crossing and vision.
Forca Barca always!
Yamal’s absence is a test for Barca no doubt about that but this club has preserved its honour and pride in times when the Goat Leo Messi was not available. Every culer remembers the infamous 5-1 win in the 2018 season where the team did not let La Pulga’s absence affect them and showed the world they are always going to strive for glory no matter what the odds. I believe Dani Rodriguez and Araujo’s comeback together with a motivated squad can help Barca maintain their throne at the top of the table.