After a difficult game against Real Betis in La Liga, Barcelona bounced back in Europe with an impressive win over Borussia Dortmund in Germany, defeating the Bundesliga giants in their fortress.

They will be back home for their next league game, scheduled to begin today at the Estadi Olimpic de Lluis Companys.

The Catalans will be favorites against Leganes on Sunday evening but cannot take anything for granted.

Their opponents are currently in 17th place in the table and are just one point above the relegation zone. However, it is recalled that Las Palmas found themselves in a similar situation last month, but then defeated Hansi Flick’s team.

Barca Universal brings you three talking points ahead of Barcelona vs Leganes.

Flick’s first suspension

Refereeing in La Liga continues to be questionable as standards vary for different people.

Despite all the grace and gratitude he shows the referees, Hansi Flick also fell victim to the system in Barcelona’s last La Liga game.

The manager surprisingly received a red card because unlike many other managers on the sidelines he is not very vocal and lively.

It all happened when Frenkie de Jong conceded a penalty against Real Betis last weekend and the referee went to the side of the pitch to check the VAR replay.

Having made his decision after review, he gave the hosts a penalty and Flick wordlessly showed his dissatisfaction but was given a straight red card in what can only be described as bizarre.

The coach will therefore not be available on the sidelines later this evening, just as he will be absent next week against Atletico Madrid. Since the coach is not on the side that initiates them, it remains to be seen whether he plays a role in the Catalans’ result.

However, as with any coaching suspension, he will continue to be in constant contact with his assistants on the sidelines.

The return of a monster

Barcelona have seen Inigo Martinez and Pau Cubarsi step up in defense this season and the Spanish duo have performed phenomenally well, holding the high line perfectly.

However, one always kept an eye on Ronald Araujo, who suffered a serious injury at the Copa America and had to undergo surgery, as the Uruguayan star was an undisputed starter for Barcelona last season.

After months of rest and recovery, he is finally ready to make his debut this season, giving Flick’s plans a huge boost. It adds depth to a department with two depleted players and the luxury of rotation will do the team a lot of good.

Flick confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Araujo will take part tomorrow and it remains to be seen whether he will come off the bench or be in the starting eleven in the evening.

Considering Atletico Madrid is next and players like Cubarsi could use a break, there’s a good chance the Uruguayan star will be in the starting lineup and play for at least an hour.

In any case, it’s just great for Barcelona to have Araujo back on the field considering he’s a vocal leader and outstanding defender, and it remains to be seen how he develops under Flick.

No margin for error

Barcelona’s recent La Liga games have been anything but good enough, with the club looking lost and uninspired on the pitch.

The attack, long muted without Lamine Yamal, struggled to create as many chances as usual, but even his return did not bring back the best version of the team.

It’s obvious the team is struggling to maintain energy given how physically demanding the new coach’s system is, but the performance against Borussia Dortmund gave reason to believe they can still channel the same greatness .

After losing significant points in La Liga, Barcelona simply have no more ground to lose. Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have caught up with them in the table and the coming matchdays will be crucial to ensure they stay ahead.

Los Blancos dropped points against Rayo Vallecano last night, so a win tonight will help Barcelona move four points clear. Should they beat Atletico Madrid next week, they will also have a chance to go ahead Los Rojiblancos.

The Blaugrana Therefore, they must perform against Leganes as if it was a must-win game and maintain the momentum they gained at Signal Iduna Park. There isn’t much room for error.