Barcelona’s recent struggles in the latter part of the year can be attributed to several key factors, with the team showing a clear dip in form, particularly in La Liga.
One of the main issues has been their inability to replicate their early-season effectiveness in front of goal.
At the beginning of the campaign, Barcelona were clinical, finishing chances with precision, but this has since dropped off.
After a disappointing defeat to Atletico Madrid, a revealing statistic emerged that highlighted just how much the team’s attacking strength has faltered.
Barcelona are underperforming
It must be noted that Barcelona initially overperformed in their attacking stats, scoring 15.5 more goals than expected in their first 17 games of the season, moving from 39.5 expected goals (xG) to 55 goals scored.
However, in their last eight matches, they have underperformed, scoring 3.3 fewer goals than expected.
While their xG dropped 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.
La diferencia de eficacia del Barça en función del Expected Goal (xG; mide las probabilidades de marcar y calidad de ocasiones)
Primeros 17 partidos
xG: 39,5 –> 55 GF (+15,5) 🎯
xA: 16,7 –> 16 GC (-0,7)
Últimos 8 partidos
xG: 20,3 –> 17 GF (-3,3) 🎯
xA: 10,7 –> 12 GC (+1,3)
— Fermín Suárez (@FerminSuarez03) December 21, 2024
It is clear that Barcelona have been wasteful in front of goal. It the team had taken their chances, particularly in recent matches, they would have likely secured better results.
Despite creating plenty of opportunities, Barcelona are unable to challenge the opposition.
Defense is under pressure too
Defensively, Barcelona’s form has also declined. During the same period, the team’s defensive performance has worsened, with the number of goals they have conceded moving from 0.7 fewer than expected to 1.3 more than anticipated.
While this change isn’t as drastic as their attacking slump, it is clear that Flick’s side has lost some control in key areas of the pitch, both offensively and defensively.
As the team heads into the Christmas break, it is evident that Barcelona have work to do. The players will need to use this time to recharge and refocus, addressing the issues that have seen their earlier form slip.
The hope is that when they return, they can apply the necessary changes to get back on track and rediscover the momentum that made them a strong force earlier in the season.