This archive report was first published on 17 June 2020.
Barcelona's Lionel Messi scored a penalty as the team eased to a 2-0 victory over Leganes at an empty Camp Nou on Tuesday, putting pressure back on Real Madrid in the La Liga title race.
On a day when Real Madrid's title hopes were boosted by a five-point advantage over Barcelona, the reigning champions responded with a comfortable win over Leganes, who are now bottom of the table and look doomed to relegation.
Barcelona's victory was sealed by a penalty scored by Messi in the 69th minute, after he had been rugby tackled to the ground by a diving Unai Bustinza in the first half.
Earlier, Ansu Fati had given Barcelona the lead with a fifth goal in eight league starts, continuing his breakthrough season.
Leganes had two golden opportunities to take the lead early on, but Miguel-Angel Guerrero's drive was cleared off the line and his half-volley shaved the far post.
Barcelona coach Quique Setien admitted that his team had been lucky, but the win has given them a five-point advantage over Real Madrid, who can reduce that back to two by winning at home to Valencia on Thursday.
Setien will hope that Gerard Pique recovers from a nasty challenge that means he will need stitches in his shin.
