At home, their defensive numbers are even more impressive with only two goals conceded, one from a penalty and the other an own goal.Īt the core of their rearguard are three players enjoying stellar seasons - goalkeeper Marc Andre ter-Stegen and defenders Ronald Araujo and Jules Kounde. They have conceded 13 goals in the league, by far the best defensive record in Europe’s top five leagues. This season Barcelona have won 27 of their 34 games and although they are the second highest scorers in the division with 64 goals and boast the leading marksman in Robert Lewandowski, the foundation of their success has been at the other end of the pitch.
Sometimes are the rivals and the circumstances that takes you there, but defending is also part of the game," he added. "I am not satisfied with not having the ball. "We have not betrayed any game model," Xavi said after his side earned a gutsy 1-0 win at Real's Santiago Bernabeu in March with an outstanding defensive performance against their bitter rivals who enjoyed 65% of possession but could not break Barcelona down. He often sounded frustrated yet resigned in interviews, trying to defend his team even after victories, sounding like he needed to explain that he had to prioritise his defence due to the urgency of getting the club back to winning ways.Ī former Barca player himself, Xavi was a symbol of their attacking style as a flamboyant midfielder who won every major title with the club and with Spain.
The change in mentality may not have sat entirely comfortably with Xavi who said Barca's style was "non-negotiable" when he was appointed coach in November, 2021. BARCELONA, May 14 (Reuters) - Barcelona won their 27th LaLiga title and first for four years after a 4-2 win at city rivals Espanyol on Sunday crowned a remarkable domestic campaign built around a rock-solid defence, a huge change from the club's traditional style of play.īarca have a history of success with teams playing an attractive brand of attacking football but this season they have had to adapt to a different reality and manager Xavi Hernandez has cast aside tradition to focus on relentless defence.
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