Messi called off the bench to sink Leganes

WORRYING SCENES

There were worrying scenes for Barca when France forward Dembele was forced off injured midway through the second half after writhing on the floor in pain. The club later confirmed he had sprained his ankle.

Dembele has shaken off previous criticism over lapses in discipline to become one of Barca's most productive players in recent weeks.

With Messi resting on the bench in the first half, Dembele was the team's focal point in attack, frequently finding holes in the Leganes defence with thrilling bursts of pace and wild dribbles.

He put Barca in front shortly after the half-hour mark with a first-time shot in off the post, receiving a cut-back from Jordi Alba.

Dembele later combined with Philippe Coutinho which should have led to the Brazilian doubling Barca's lead, but the club's record signing fired just wide.

"Dembele has been in fantastic form recently after the controversy, he gives us speed, unpredictability and goals," added Busquets on the Frenchman's transformation.

"He was unlucky with the injury, we hope it's nothing."

Leganes, who stunned Barca by coming from behind to beat the champions 2-1 at home back in September, also refused to give in after conceding the opener and after limiting Barca's attempts to stretch their lead, they drew level.

Danish forward Braithwaite slid in to meet a perfectly- weighted cross from Youssef En Nesyri and knock the ball into the net from close range for a second goal in four days after scoring against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey.

Dembele narrowly fired wide, so Barca coach Ernesto Valverde turned to Messi to see Leganes off, and the club's all-time top scorer duly delivered.