Xavi Hernandez’s return to Barcelona as coach showed a return to the club’s constant possession game as a player, but the team instead relied on a watertight defense as they edged closer to the Spanish title.
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Barcelona visit Athletic Bilbao on Sunday as they try to maintain or even extend their nine-point lead over Real Madrid, who host Espanyol on Saturday – in their final league match before the Clasico at the Camp Nou on March 19.
The Catalans finally lifted La Liga in 2019 and after huge investments last summer, the need to produce quick results has influenced their approach.
Barcelona have conceded just eight goals in 24 games so far this season, keeping 18 clean sheets in La Liga in that time.
The latter is a better record than any other club in one of Europe’s top five leagues has achieved during the same period of the season in the 21st century.
Bayern Munich managed 17 clean sheets in the first 24 matches of the 2012-13 season, as well as conceding eight goals.
In contrast, he has scored 46 goals, a number lower than the La Liga leader after 24 games since Valencia in the 2001-2002 season.
But the Catalans will have to travel to San Mames without centre-back Ronald Araujo, key to their best defensive record this season.
The Uruguayan centre-back was sent off last weekend against Valencia, for dragging Hugo Duro as he ran at goal.
Araujo’s decision helped Barcelona win 1-0 – their eighth victory by the same scoreline in La Liga this season.
The defenders can be replaced by Jules Kounde or Marcos Alonso in the heart of the defense, along with Andreas Christensen.
For a while, the team was without playmaker Pedri, winger Ousmane Dembele and top scorer Robert Lewandowski, whose defensive solidity helped them retain the title.
The Polish striker will return against Athletic and claim the defense for a key role this season.
“It’s good to have a defense like ours for the attackers, we have more security, we can take more risks because our backs are covered,” Lewandowski told Barca Magazine on Thursday.
“Security makes it easier to score goals and the first step in every team is to have a good defense.”
The Polish striker said the style of the team also depends on the type of players available to Xavi, and the way the game has changed since his playing days.
“Barca’s DNA is to play good football, but you have to understand that football is changing,” added Lewandowski.
“For example, the way Barça played ten years ago may not work today. You have to find the perfect solution where you are and the players you have.
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Athletic Bilbao manager Ernesto Valverde may have his own thoughts on Barcelona’s style issues.
Despite winning two league titles, Valverde was sacked in January 2020 by the top-flight in La Liga, partly due to concerns about the team’s unconvincing football.
Valverde’s Athletic started the season well but have lost momentum in recent weeks and sit ninth, although like Barcelona they have also reached the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey.
Player to watch: Enes Unal
Getafe’s Turkish striker, Enes Unal is the main weapon to avoid relegation. The forward has scored five goals in his last five La Liga games and could be crucial in Cadiz’s six-pointer of relegation on Friday night.
Key statistics
8 – Antoine Griezmann shone for Atletico last weekend and was the top assister in the division
20 – Osasuna’s Kike Garcia has been a substitute more times than any other player
300 – Celta’s Hugo Mallo has made more La Liga appearances for the club than any other player.
Schedule
Friday
Cadiz v Getafe (2000)
Saturday
Real Madrid v Espanyol (1300), Elche v Real Valladolid (1515), Celta Vigo v Rayo Vallecano (1730), Valencia v Osasuna (2000)
Week
Real Mallorca v Real Sociedad (1300), Sevilla v Almeria (1515), Villarreal v Real Betis (1730), Athletic Bilbao v Barcelona (2000)
Monday
Girona v Atletico Madrid (2000)