Barcelona is on the verge of winning the LaLiga title, and they are eyeing a European record that has stood for 53 years. Xavi’s men extended their lead at the top of the table to 12 points after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Real Madrid. The team has a remarkable defensive record this season, having conceded just nine goals in 26 league games, an average of 0.346 goals per match. If they can maintain this ratio until the end of the campaign, they will go down as the greatest defense of all time across Europe’s top five leagues.
The current record is held by Cagliari’s 1969/70 side, who conceded 11 goals in 30 games, an average of 0.381. Liverpool came close to breaking this record in the 1978/79 season when they shipped just 16 goals in 42 games. Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea also came within a whisker of the record when they conceded just 15 goals in 38 matches during the 2004/05 term. Three AC Milan teams make the 13-side list, along with two Arsenal squads from the 1990s.
The most recent team on the list, aside from the current Barcelona side, is Atletico Madrid’s from the 2015/16 season. Diego Simeone’s men remarkably finished third in the LaLiga table despite conceding just 18 goals in 38 games. Arsenal also missed out on the Premier League title in 1998/99 despite letting in just 17 goals in 38 matches.
Barcelona’s defensive record this season is impressive, and it is a testament to their solid backline and goalkeeper. The team has been able to keep clean sheets in most of their matches, and they have only conceded more than one goal on three occasions this season. The team’s defensive prowess has been a key factor in their success this season, and it has helped them to build a comfortable lead at the top of the table.
Barcelona’s defense is led by Gerard Pique, who has been a rock at the heart of their backline. The Spanish international has been instrumental in keeping the opposition at bay, and he has formed a formidable partnership with Clement Lenglet. The duo has been able to nullify most of the attacks that have come their way, and they have been able to provide a solid foundation for the team to build on.
In addition to their solid defense, Barcelona has also been impressive going forward. The team has scored 63 goals in 26 league games, an average of 2.42 goals per match. Lionel Messi has been the team’s standout player this season, and he has been instrumental in their success. The Argentine international has scored 23 goals and provided nine assists in 24 league games, and he is on course to win his eighth Pichichi trophy.
Barcelona’s success this season is a result of their solid defense and their attacking prowess. The team has been able to strike a balance between defense and attack, and this has helped them to dominate most of their opponents. The team is now on course to reclaim the LaLiga title, and they may well break a remarkable European record in the process. If they can maintain their defensive record until the end of the campaign, they will go down as one of the greatest teams of all time.