Good luck getting past them! Barcelona concede the fewest goals EVER across 30 games to break LaLiga’s defensive record… as cash-strapped Catalans build from the back to edge closer to winning the title
- Xavi’s imperious Barcelona defence has set a new LaLiga record this season
- The Catalan club have conceded only nine goals in 30 games this campaign
- Barcelona currently maintain an 11 point lead at the top of LaLiga under Xavi
Barcelona have built their title bid from the back – and have set a record in the process.
Led by Xavi, the Catalan side, who hold an 11-point lead at the top of LaLiga with eight matches to play, look likely to beat the world record for the fewest goals conceded in a full season in Spain’s top flight, which currently stands at 18.
That accolade is shared by Deportivo De La Coruña from the 1993-94 season, and Atlético Madrid from 2015-16.
Under the management of 43-year-old Xavi, Barcelona have conceded only nine goals in 30 games, a record in LaLiga.
While second-placed Real Madrid have conceded 28 goals so far this season, a look at goals conceded by league leaders from Europe’s top competitions demonstrates the scale of Xavi’s achievement. Borussia Dortmund has shipped 39 goals, Arsenal 34, PSG 31 and Napoli 21.
Barcelona boss Xavi has set a new defensive record with his talented league-leading defence
Ex-Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen (grey top) has played 16 league games this season
As a player Xavi represented Barcelona over 500 times, achieving 133 caps for Spain and is widely recognised as one of the best midfielders of all time. He is now making a reputation for himself as an astute coach.
In a challenging season for the Catalan side, Xavi has brought tactical discipline, adaptability and competitiveness to a squad that remains in transition, rotating between central defenders with an average age of just 24.
Andreas Christensen, 27, has played 16 league matches; Eric Garcia, 22, has played 18; Ronald Arújo, 24, has played 18 times; 24-year-old Jules Kounde has played 22 league matches.
They conceded just 23 goals last season in Xavi’s first as head coach.
After Sunday’s 1-0 win over Atletico, ending the Madrid club’s run of 13 matchs unbeaten, Xavi’s side moved a step closer to a 27th La Liga title, but the manager is taking nothing for granted.
‘We have been amazing in defence this season and tonight’s victory against a superb side in credit to the players,’ said Xavi. ‘But we don’t consider ourselves Champions and will continue to focus on every match and fight for every point for the remainder of the season.’
Jules Kounde (right) has been relied upon in 22 LaLiga matches for Barcelona this season