Morning all! Early start for this one! Welcome to Sports Mole's live coverage of the La Liga clash between newly-promoted Leganes and Spanish champions Barcelona from Estadio Municipal de Butarque. Barcelona will be looking to return to winning ways this afternoon, but capital side Leganes impressively held Atletico Madrid to a goalless draw in their first home game of the 2016-17 campaign.

Incredibly, this afternoon's match will be the first ever meeting between Leganes and Barcelona. That said, this is Leganes' first ever season in Spain's top flight so they could only have ever clashed in the Copa del Rey. What an occasion for the home side, who were promoted to La Liga after finishing second behind Alaves in the Segunda Division last season.

Chairman Maria Victoria Pavon might have never believed that this day would come, but Barcelona are the visitors this afternoon and it should be a cracking occasion inside this tiny ground, which only holds little under 11,000. It is a really tough ask for Leganes this afternoon, but as mentioned, they held Atletico to a goalless draw in their first home league game of the new season.

Los jugadores pepineros ya están en su vestuario. Todos listos. #LeganésBarça pic.twitter.com/hKqFHf0ZE7 — C.D. Leganés (@CDLeganes) September 17, 2016

Right, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news from the Spanish capital. Barcelona were thumping winners over Scottish champions Celtic in the Champions League on Wednesday night in a match where Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi and Neymar started all together for the first time this season. Have all three made the XI for this game? Let's have a look shall we!

TEAMS!

LEGANES: Serantes; Diaz, Bustinza, Insua, Medjani, Rico; Lopez, Sastre, Gabriel; Kone, Machis

BARCA: Ter Stegen; Mascherano, Pique, Umtiti; Rafinha, Rakitic, Iniesta, Alba; Neymar, Suarez, Messi

Leganes boss Asier Garitano has rung the changes from the 2-1 defeat to Sporting Gijon last weekend, with Darwin Machis, Mamadou Kone, Carl Medjani, Lluis Sastre and Unai Bustinza among those coming into the XI. Goalkeeper Jon Ander Serantes was an injury doubt leading up to the match, but the Spaniard starts in a team that also includes on-loan duo Pablo Insua and Unai Lopez.

As for Barcelona, the team news is very interesting indeed. There is no recognised right-back in the XI this afternoon and the whispers are that the visitors will start in a 3-4-3 formation, with Gerard Pique, Samuel Umtiti and Javier Mascherano as the three centre-backs. Rafinha and Andres Iniesta, replace Sergio Busquets and Andre Gomes in two of three changes from the Celtic match, but there are no alterations in the final third as Suarez, Neymar and Messi start together in the league for the first time this season.

© Getty Images

So there we have it. The two teams are in and we are now just about 40 minutes from kickoff on this warm afternoon in the outskirts of Madrid. I shall talk about the home side a little bit later, but let's start with Barcelona, who will be looking to bounce back from a shock home defeat to Alaves last weekend.

As mentioned, Barcelona thumped Celtic 7-0 in their Champions League opener on Wednesday night, but they were beaten 2-1 at Camp Nou last Saturday as tiny Alaves secured an incredible three points in La Liga. Granted, Barcelona were far from full strength, but even the second-half introduction of Suarez and Messi could not prevent Enrique's side from dropping all three points.

Barcelona have already secured a trophy this season after beating Sevilla in the Spanish Super Cup and they followed that two-legged affair with a 6-2 victory over Real Betis on the opening weekend of the campaign. Then came a 1-0 win at Athletic Bilbao at the end of August courtesy of a Rakitic header, but their first match after the ill-timed international break was the home defeat to Alaves.

© AFP

As a result, Barcelona sit fifth in La Liga on six points – level with fourth-place Las Palmas, one point behind Sporting Gijon and Sevilla and three points behind the early leaders Real Madrid, who travel to Espanyol tomorrow night looking to move onto 12 points. Barcelona have actually now lost four league games in 2016, which is as many defeats as they managed in the entirety of 2015.

In terms of what is ahead for Barcelona, they have the small matter of a home game against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night, before travelling to Sporting Gijon in the league next weekend. The month of September then ends with a Champions League trip to Borussia Monchengladbach. A busy and indeed testing end to the month for the Spanish champions!

As for Leganes, this is, as mentioned, the capital outfit's first ever season in the top flight of Spanish football. They actually played in the third tier of Spanish football – Segunda B – between 2004 and 2014, before earning promotion to the Segunda Division, where they spent two seasons before being promoted. Last season, they finished one point behind the champions Alaves.

Leganes actually only lost just two of their 21 home games in the Segunda last season, while they have kept seven clean sheets in their last ten home matches, including a 0-0 draw against Atletico at the end of last month. Barcelona are the overwhelming favourites this afternoon, but Leganes have already shown that they belong at this level of football. The setting for this match...

¡Buenos días! En menos de dos horas el Lega se enfrenta al @FCBarcelona_es. ¡Os esperamos pepineros! pic.twitter.com/rdKLRjxtqL — C.D. Leganés (@CDLeganes) September 17, 2016

Indeed, it has been a solid start to the new campaign for the newly-promoted club, who won 1-0 at Celta Vigo on the opening weekend, before drawing 0-0 with Atletico in this stadium on August 27. They suffered their first defeat of the season at Sporting Gijon last weekend, but Sporting have also made an impressive start - sitting third after three matches. Just 15 minutes until kickoff in Madrid!

In terms of what is ahead for Leganes, they will travel to Deportivo La Coruna on Thursday night, before hosting Valencia next weekend. October then brings matches against Granada, Sevilla, Malaga and Real Sociedad and the next couple of months will be a good indicator of their ability to compete this season. Indeed, anything from 17th and above would represent a brilliant campaign.

#FCBLive The Barça dressing room ready for today's game
👏 #LeganésFCB
🔵🔴 #ForçaBarça pic.twitter.com/0ykyP96CeX — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 17, 2016

Confirmation of the two teams this afternoon...

LEGANES: Serantes; Diaz, Bustinza, Insua, Medjani, Rico; Lopez, Sastre, Gabriel; Kone, Machis

BARCA: Ter Stegen; Mascherano, Pique, Umtiti; Rafinha, Rakitic, Iniesta, Alba; Neymar, Suarez, Messi

Here we go then - the pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Time for the football then! You sense that Leganes will need to start well this afternoon if they are to stand a chance of picking up a positive result. Let's hope for an entertaining match-up!

KICKOFF! Barcelona kick things off in Madrid...

... it must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium this afternoon. It is one of the smallest stadiums in La Liga, but the supporters are packed in and whistle as Barcelona enjoy early possession of the ball. Can you imagine if Leganes managed to somehow win this game!

It has been a confident start from the home side, who have enjoyed spells of possession and closed Barcelona when the Catalan side have attempted to settle. Machis drives down the right for the hosts and looks to deliver towards the far post, but Pique is on hand to make the block.

Well, I can report that Barcelona are not very comfortable here! Leganes might be the overwhelming underdogs this afternoon, but they are pressing high up the pitch and committing numbers forward when they have the chance to break. What a brilliant start from the hosts here.

Rafinha looks to find Neymar over the top with a through pass, but Serantes is on hand to claim, which brings another huge cheer from the home supporters. The visitors are just starting to settle.

CHANCE! The first chance of the match falls to the home side as Rakitic has his pocket picked in midfield and Machis decides to strike from the edge of the box, but Pique makes a fine block.

Barcelona have been unsettled here, make no mistake about it. Leganes have made this game into a bit of a scrap as challenges arrive all over the park, which is not a bad tactic to use, as long as they stay within the laws of the game. Ten minutes on the clock and all square in the outskirts of Madrid.

Messi goes down inside the Leganes box under pressure from a couple of defenders, but the referee is not interested and in fairness, Messi was not claiming a spot kick. More of a fall.

Barcelona are struggling to get hold of the ball at the moment as Leganes continue to operate a high-pressing game. While it is brilliant to watch, my concern is that the home side will run out of legs in the second period. For now though, Leganes continue to impress with their work and football.

Half-chance for Leganes as Medjani meets a cross from Machis, but his header is just too high.

Barcelona break and Neymar sets up Messi inside the home side's box, but Insua is on hand to make a fine block and Leganes break straight down the other end. What a game of football here!

Barcelona make the breakthrough in the 15th minute of this contest as Suarez drives down the right before setting up Messi, who finishes from close range. It is a heartbreaker for the home side!

Leganes have the chance to hit back as the home side win a free kick just outside the Barcelona box, but Lopez's effort hits the wall and the resulting corner brings a free kick for the visitors.

CHANCE! Should be 2-0 Barcelona. Another super move from the visitors as Rafinha sets up Suarez, who delivers into Neymar, but the Brazilian can only fire wide of the post.

There is no question that Leganes are operating close to their maximum at the moment as they continue to press Barcelona and work the ball into the final third, but as we have already seen, the visitors are so dangerous on the counter-attack and you have to expect more goals to arrive.

SAVE! Oh my word! Almost a spectacular own-goal from Leganes as Medjani challenges Suarez but sends the ball towards his own goal, where Serantes has to react and save!

BOOKING! Rakitic (Barcelona) is booked for a late challenge on Machis.

Half-chance for the home side once again as Gabriel meets a cross from the right, but his header is straight into the arms of Ter Stegen. Brilliant attitude from Leganes as they continue to threaten.

BOOKING! Medjani (Leganes) is booked for a poor challenge on Rafinha.

What a brilliant opening 30 minutes of football we have had in the Spanish capital. Barcelona lead courtesy of a close-range finish from Messi, but Leganes are giving everything as they continue to commit players in the final third of the field. The next goal in this game - if there is one - is massive.

Could be game over here as Suarez sends Barcelona 2-0 ahead. Messi takes advantage of a poor pass before driving into the box and sliding in Suarez, who just cannot miss from close range!

CHANCE! Stunning chance for the home side as Machis uses his pace to drive past Mascherano before firing towards the bottom corner, but Ter Stegen makes the initial save, before Umtiti produces a goal-line clearance to prevent Machis scoring with his second attempt!

Leganes continue to commit players forward as we approach the interval here.

Messi looks to find Neymar as Barcelona threaten on the counter once again, but Serantes is out to claim and sends the ball straight towards Kone, who has caused some problems in the final third. I fancy Leganes to score this afternoon, but Barcelona will fancy their chances of netting a few more too.

BOOKING! Diaz (Leganes) is booked for a foul on Iniesta.

Neymar will be keen to join Messi and Suarez on the scoresheet this afternoon and you can bet that the two goalscorers will look to provide Neymar with opportunities in the second period. I am finding it very difficult to believe that we have seen the last of the goals in the Spanish capital here.

And there is the goal for Neymar! The visitors score their third of the afternoon as Messi sets up Suarez and the striker slides the ball into Neymar, who taps home from close range. MSN all register!

So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Barcelona leading 3-0 in the Spanish capital courtesy of goals from Messi, Suarez and Neymar. Leganes have impressed with their high work-rate and energy, but have simply been picked apart on the counter-attack here.

STATISTICS! Barcelona have shaded the possession with 56%, while they have had five attempts - three of which were on target and three of which found the back of the net. As for Leganes, the hosts have actually had nine attempts on home soil, but have been unable to find a route past Ter Stegen, who had to be at his best to keep out a close-range Machis effort when the score was 2-0.

BENCH WATCH! Leganes boss Garitano may look to his bench at the interval and the Spaniard has the likes of Guerrero, Perez and Szymanowski available in terms of attacking options. Barcelona, meanwhile, have options in the shape of Andre Gomes, Paco Alcacer, Denis Suarez and Arda Turan.

A goal each for Messi (15') Suárez (31') and Neymar (44') gives Barça a 3-0 lead at half in Butarque #LeganésFCB pic.twitter.com/dIlFKJTe0j — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 17, 2016

RESTART! Leganes resume the action on home soil...

LEGANES SUB! Perez has replaced Medjani for the home side.

Leganes put so much into that first period in terms of work-rate and you have to wonder whether they can maintain that level throughout the next 45 minutes or so. Barcelona look so dangerous on the counter-attack and could have a field day if the hosts drop their level. It could get messy here.

SAVE! Ter Stegen is on hand to deny Kone after the Leganes striker had burst through a couple of challenges. In fairness to the hosts, they have excited their supporters here.

Just a reminder that Barcelona play Atletico on Wednesday night and therefore it would not be a surprise to see Luis Enrique make a couple of changes over the next 15 minutes or so. Iniesta has only just returned from injury and I expect the Spaniard to be replaced around the 65-minute mark.

Messi delivers a dangerous corner into the Leganes box and it almost falls for Pique at the far post, but the home side manage to clear their lines as the score remains 3-0 in the outskirts of Madrid. Alcacer and Gomes are among those warming-up for Barcelona as the second period develops here.

Barcelona are awarded a penalty in the 54th minute of this match as Bustinza pulls Neymar to the ground inside the box. It is just about as blatant as you could ever imagine!

Barcelona have their fourth as Messi finds the top corner with a powerful strike.

BARCELONA SUB! Alcacer replaces Suarez for the away side here.

BARCELONA SUB! Turan replaces Rakitic in Barcelona's second change.

CHANCE! Insua clears a Messi strike off the line as the Argentine comes close to hitting another hat-trick for the Catalan giants. Still more than 30 minutes of football to play in this one.

LEGANES SUBS! Omar and Szymanowski replace Machis and Lopez.

Ter Stegen saves from Gabriel as Leganes continue to commit players forward here.

POST! Messi angles one towards the bottom corner, but Serantes pushes the Argentine's effort onto the post! It falls for Alcacer, who finishes, but the striker was offside.

It is five for Barcelona as Rafinha sends a wonderful effort into the top corner from distance!

BARCELONA SUB! Denis Suarez replaces Iniesta.

Brilliant from the home supporters as they continue to back their team here.

Still more than 20 minutes of this La Liga contest remaining and Barcelona are not finished as they continue to commit players in the final third of the field. Leganes have run out of legs here.

Half-chance for the home side as Szymanowski breaks through, but the substitute's effort was always moving high of the crossbar. Leganes deserve at least one goal for their troubles here.

Neymar goes down inside the Leganes box once again, but the referee is not interested and replays demonstrate that it was the correct decision from the official. In fairness, Neymar did not want the decision. Still a brilliant atmosphere inside the stadium as the home supporters enjoy their afternoon.

Just a reminder that Barcelona will host Atletico on Wednesday night and you suspect that Neymar will not be given as much space as he has this afternoon! Leganes have put so much into this match, but have simply not been able to deal with the quality of the visitors, who are heading top of La Liga.

CHANCE! Stunning challenge from Bustinza as the centre-back prevents Alcacer from tapping a Neymar cross into the back of the net. Alcacer is still waiting for his first Barcelona goal!

Leganes have a free kick in a very dangerous position as Turan brings Gabriel to the deck...

... BOOKING! Neymar (Barcelona) is booked for dissent.

What a free kick! Leganes register as Gabriel finds the top corner with a superb strike!

Leganes and their supporters deserve that goal, that is for sure. Never has a goal at 5-0 down been so widely celebrated! The comeback is on with little over seven minutes of normal time left!

Stunning challenge from Pique as the Barcelona centre-back comes across to challenge Kone, who had moved past Umtiti inside the box. The home side are putting more pressure on here.

Barcelona have managed to look after the ball in the last couple of minutes as they take the sting out of Leganes' free-flowing football, which has been present in the last 10 minutes or so here.

BOOKING! Omar (Leganes) is booked for a late challenge on Neymar.

Barcelona want another penalty as Alba feels some contact inside the Leganes box, but the referee points for a goal kick after Neymar had released the left-back. Still 5-1 to the visitors here.

Free kick for Barcelona in a dangerous position...

... Messi's set piece is wide of the post.

Gabriel fires wide of the post as the home side continue to attack Barcelona.

So there we have it. The referee brings the second period to a close with Barcelona running out 5-1 winners over Leganes courtesy of goals from Lionel Messi (2), Luis Suarez, Neymar and Rafinha. Leganes registered late on through Gabriel, but it was a mere consolation for the home side. That is just about it from me this afternoon, but be sure to remain on the site for another busy day of football!