Swansea beat Leganes 1-0 through Opoku’s first-half goal

Swansea City defeated Leganes 1-0 in a preseason friendly at the Liberty Stadium. Aaron Opoku scored the only goal shortly before half-time. Leganes travelled with a reduced senior group and again struggled to finish chances.

The Spanish side used a possible opening-day shape under Ruben Albes. Swansea created the stronger first-half pressure and protected its lead after many substitutions. Alex Millan produced Leganes’ best late opportunity.

Leganes travelled with limited senior options

Injuries and transfer decisions reduced the available Leganes squad. Only sixteen first-team players formed the effective senior group in Wales. Several expected departures remained in Spain.

Melero, Roberto Lopez, Figueredo and Javi Hernandez did not travel. Pauwels, Dani Rodriguez and Guirao were unavailable through injury. Juan Soriano also missed the match.

Albes still selected a recognisable starting team. Raul Fernandez played in goal behind a five-player defensive line. Tejero and Franquesa filled the wider positions.

Atienza anchored midfield beside Buurmeester and Kechta. Gharbi started behind Alex Millan in attack. That structure may remain relevant when the competitive season begins.

Gharbi created the first chance before Swansea settled

Leganes produced the first notable opening after ten minutes. Gharbi found room for a shot but sent the ball above the target. Swansea then gained more control through central possession.

The home team used Adam Idah as its central forward. Yeo, Just and Opoku worked behind him. Their movement forced the Leganes back line to defend a wider area.

Raul Fernandez stopped the initial Swansea attempts. Leganes stayed compact but struggled to keep the ball after recoveries. Swansea repeatedly returned the visitors toward their own area.

The pattern increased near half-time. Swansea attacked second balls around the box. One long rebound finally opened a clear finish for Opoku.

Raul Fernandez parried an effort but could not move the ball away from danger. Opoku reached the rebound and scored after forty-three minutes. Swansea carried the narrow lead into half-time.

The goal reflected the pressure from the closing part of the half. Leganes had defended several earlier approaches without creating a route forward. Swansea remained patient around the area.

There was no public broadcast of the full fixture. Around five thousand spectators watched from the open stand. The closed setting did not reduce the physical level on the pitch.

Leganes entered the break with another scoreless half during preseason. Its structure had protected most central spaces. The attack offered too little support for Millan and Gharbi.

The second half brought changes but fewer chances

Both coaches introduced substitutes after the interval. The rhythm dropped as the new groups adjusted. Swansea continued finding the clearer spaces without extending its lead.

Opoku and Ronald both had opportunities for the home side. Leganes worked harder through the wide areas. The final pass still failed to reach an unmarked forward.

Millan created the best late chance after eighty-five minutes. Swansea goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux made the required save. That stop protected the only goal of the match.

Leganes also gave minutes to Naim, Ruben Pena and several younger players. The changes added energy but not a clean finish. Swansea managed the final minutes with a compact defensive line.

Leganes has three more friendlies before its league opener. The team has shown organisation across several summer matches. Goals have remained difficult to find against different opponents.

The reduced squad explains part of the problem. Albes lacks several players through injury and possible departures. The available forwards also receive limited support during long defensive periods.

Swansea gained another clean sheet and a useful home victory. Opoku reacted quickest to the decisive rebound. The Championship club also maintained pressure without exposing itself to many counters.

The final score accurately described a match with few clear chances. Swansea used one loose ball before half-time. Leganes reached one strong late position but could not equalise.

Leganes travelled with only sixteen available senior players. That shortage limited the changes available after the interval. Even so, Gharbi and Millan reached the two best positions created by the Spanish side.

Swansea did not dominate every phase after taking the lead. The home team instead protected central space and waited for mistakes. Opoku’s finish therefore remained the only successful action inside either penalty area.

The Welsh side protected that single goal through the complete second half and closed the friendly without conceding.