Barcelona took another crucial step towards reclaiming the La Liga crown with a narrow 1-0 victory over Leganés on Saturday night, extending their unbeaten league run to 13 matches and increasing their lead at the top of the table to seven points.

It was a tense and hard-fought encounter at the Estadio Municipal de Butarque, where the breakthrough came via an unfortunate own goal from Leganés defender Jorge Sáenz early in the second half. Raphinha, who continues to shine under Hansi Flick, sent in a dangerous cross intended for Robert Lewandowski, but Sáenz deflected it past his own goalkeeper to hand Barça the lead.

Lewandowski, still chasing his 100th goal for the club, had a chance to double the advantage but sent his header narrowly wide after another pinpoint delivery from Raphinha. The Polish striker was later substituted for Ferran Torres in the 67th minute.

Leganés thought they had equalised late on when Dani Raba headed in a cross from Adrià Altimira, but celebrations were cut short as the goal was ruled out for offside.

The win sees Barcelona climb to 70 points, pulling further ahead of Real Madrid, who sit second on 63 points ahead of their visit to Alavés on Sunday. Meanwhile, Leganés remain in deep relegation trouble, second-bottom on 28 points and two adrift of safety.

With just a few matches remaining, Hansi Flick’s side are edging ever closer to La Liga glory. Victory over Leganés might not have been a spectacle, but it was another step in what is looking increasingly like a title-winning campaign.