Barcelona defender Iñigo Martínez spoke to the media on Saturday following his team’s narrow but crucial 1-0 victory over Leganés, highlighting the significance of the win in the broader context of the La Liga title race. According to Martínez, learning how to endure difficult moments and still emerge victorious is a key attribute of a championship-caliber team, and that was exactly what Barcelona demonstrated in their latest outing.
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The match was tightly contested, with Leganés proving to be a tough opponent on their home ground. The only goal of the game came in the 48th minute, when Jorge Sáenz of Leganés inadvertently scored an own goal, giving Barcelona the lead. Despite creating several opportunities throughout the match, the Catalan side was unable to extend their lead, but managed to hold on for the win. This result ensured they stayed at the top of the league table, maintaining a seven-point lead over Real Madrid, who still have a game in hand against Alavés.
Reflecting on the match, Martínez acknowledged that the team had struggled in previous home games, where they created chances but failed to convert them due to a lack of sharpness in front of goal. “We’ve had many chances to win more comfortably at home,” he said, “but we didn’t have that final touch, that precision to make our dominance count. Today, though, we knew exactly what kind of game awaited us.”
He praised Leganés for their fighting spirit and their determination to battle for every ball. “Leganés is not a team that gives up easily,” Martínez added. “They fight until the final whistle, and they make things very difficult for any opponent. We were aware of that coming into this game.”
Martínez also emphasized that winning by large margins isn’t always possible, especially at this critical stage of the season. “You can’t expect to win every game by four or five goals,” he said. “That’s not realistic, especially when you’re playing away from home and facing teams that are desperate for points. That’s why winning matches like this one—where you have to suffer, stay focused, and keep working hard until the final minute—means a lot. It shows our strength as a team.”
Looking ahead, the veteran defender stressed the importance of consistency and resilience as Barcelona enters the final stretch of the league campaign. “We know the final part of the season is the most demanding,” he explained. “Every game is like a final, and we need to be mentally and physically prepared for that. There will be matches where we play beautifully and win comfortably, and others where we have to grind out results.”
He concluded by praising his teammates’ effort and commitment. “What matters most is the three points, and today we achieved that through perseverance and a collective effort. The entire team gave everything on the pitch. These kinds of wins, where we really have to dig deep, are what make the difference in the end.”
With several matches still to go and the title race heating up, Barcelona’s ability to stay composed under pressure and secure vital wins like this one could prove decisive in their quest for another La Liga trophy.
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