Leganés have established themselves as the giant slayers of La Liga this season. After a remarkable triumph at Montjuïc against league leaders FC Barcelona, the Borja Jiménez-led side continued their momentum by toppling Atlético Madrid at Butarque. The victory ended Atlético’s impressive run of 15 consecutive victories, thanks to a crucial goal from Nastasic.
In their return to the elite of Spanish football, the Madrid-based club have now beaten two of the league’s heavyweights. For Leganés, often considered the most modest of the Primera División clubs, managing to triumph against such giants is no small feat. This marks their fifth season in the top flight, having experienced such heights on only a handful of occasions.
Under the leadership of Borja Jiménez, Leganés have not only achieved what seemed like an impossible promotion a few months ago, but, after securing the Segunda Liga title last season, they are now rubbing shoulders with the elite. Notably, they secured their historic first victory against FC Barcelona at their home stadium, thanks to a goal from their captain Sergio González, and now they have surprised a formidable Atlético against whom even teams like FC Barcelona and PSG have struggled. difficulties.
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Arriving in Butarque on the strength of its incredible series of 15 victories, Atlético Madrid occupied the top of the ranking. Facing Leganés, a team fighting for survival, they knew the resistance would be strong, the club being known for its fighting spirit against any opponent.
The first half saw the rojiblancos dominate, showcasing the talents of Julián Álvarez, Giuliano Simeone and Antoine Griezmann. However, the Pepineros held on, thanks in part to two shots hitting the post that could have given Atlético a comfortable lead before halftime. The match therefore began the second half with a score of zero to zero, when the giant killer emerged.
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Leganés started the second half on the offensive winning a corner through Juan Cruz. On this corner kick, Nastasic was decisive, flying past Barrios to put a header into the back of the net and beat Jan Oblak. Butarque exploded with joy as hard-fought and well-organized Leganés fiercely defended Atlético’s attempts at an equalizer.
The only hope for Atlético came from a VAR intervention, which prompted referee Melero López to review a controversial hand decision. Despite Borja Jiménez’s disbelief at the decision, Griezmann missed the ensuing penalty, causing great relief for Leganés.
This victory adds to the one secured against FC Barcelona on the 17th day of the championship, where they were also the league leaders. Now they only have one giant left to conquer: Real Madrid, who they faced in Butarque without success, but they have a chance to achieve victory in the second leg at the Bernabéu. Additionally, Leganés remains one of eight teams still competing in the Copa del Rey, a tournament they reached the semi-finals of in 2018 after coincidentally eliminating the Madrid giants.
