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Barcelona’s manager, Hansi Flick, has praised Iñigo Martínez for his strong leadership and play on the field. Martínez’s performance, especially in the important 1-0 win against Leganés in LaLiga, was crucial for the team’s success.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Barcelona won a tough game against Leganés with a 1-0 score on Saturday. The only goal came from an own goal by Jorge Sáenz in the second half. However, the game was defined by Iñigo Martínez’s last-minute tackle during stoppage time. As Leganés tried to score an equalizer, Martínez made a perfect tackle on Munir El Haddadi, maintaining Barcelona’s win. This victory extended Barça’s unbeaten streak to 24 games in all competitions. Hansi Flick celebrated the tackle as if it were a goal, calling it an “unbelievable” moment that showed Martínez’s importance to the team.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Since joining Barcelona from Athletic Bilbao in 2023, Martínez has become a key part of the defense. His leadership has been especially important without key players like Ronald Araújo and Andreas Christensen. Martínez has started nearly every game this season with Flick, not only showing off his strong defense but also motivating his teammates. His presence has helped Barcelona stay at the top of LaLiga, seven points ahead of their rivals Real Madrid. With 24 unbeaten matches and a strong defense, Barcelona is getting closer to winning the league title again.
WHAT NEXT?
Barcelona has a busy schedule ahead, starting with the second leg of their Champions League quarterfinal against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday, leading 4-0 from the first leg. After that, they return to LaLiga with back-to-back home games against Celta Vigo and Mallorca. A much-anticipated Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid awaits on April 26. Martínez’s form and leadership will be crucial as Barcelona looks to win trophies on multiple fronts this season.
