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Barcelona’s recent struggles in the latter part of the year can be attributed to several key factors, with the team showing a clear drop in form, particularly in La Liga.
One of the main problems has been his inability to replicate his early season effectiveness in front of goal.
At the start of the campaign, Barcelona were clinical and finished off chances with precision, but this has since declined.
After a disappointing loss to Atlético Madrid, a telling statistic emerged that highlighted just how much the team’s offensive strength has faltered.
Barcelona has an inferior performance
It should be noted that Barcelona initially overperformed in their attacking statistics, scoring 15.5 goals more than expected in their first 17 games of the season, going from 39.5 expected goals (xG) to 55 goals scored.
However, in their last eight games they have underperformed, scoring 3.3 goals less than expected.
While their xG fell from 20.3 to 17, the team continues to create clear scoring opportunities but has struggled to convert them into goals at the same rate as earlier in the season.
The difference in Barça’s effectiveness based on Expected Goal (xG; measures the probability of scoring and quality of chances)
First 17 games
xG: 39.5 –> 55 GF (+15.5) 🎯
xA: 16.7 –> 16 CG (-0.7)Last 8 games
xG: 20.3 –> 17 GF (-3.3) 🎯
xA: 10.7 –> 12 CG (+1.3)— Fermín Suárez (@FerminSuarez03) December 21, 2024
It is clear that Barcelona has been wasteful in front of goal. If the team had taken advantage of its opportunities, especially in the last few games, it would probably have had better results.
Despite creating many opportunities, Barcelona cannot challenge the opponent.
The defense is also under pressure
Defensively, Barcelona’s form has also declined. During the same period, the team’s defensive performance has worsened, with the number of goals conceded going from 0.7 less than expected to 1.3 more than expected.
While this change is not as drastic as their decline in attack, it is clear that Flick’s team has lost some control in key areas of the field, both offensively and defensively.
As the team approaches the Christmas break, it is evident that Barcelona has work to do. Players will need to use this time to recharge and refocus, addressing the issues that have caused their previous form to decline.
The hope is that when they return, they can make the changes necessary to get back on track and rediscover the momentum that made them a powerful force earlier in the season.
