Ronald Araujo Hernandez’s return to coaching Barcelona suggested a return to the club’s fluid possession game, which he excelled in as a player. However, his team has instead relied on a watertight defense as they close in on the Spanish title.
In their final league games before the Clasico at Camp Nou on March 19, Barcelona takes on Athletic Bilbao on Sunday in an effort to maintain or even increase their nine-point lead over Real Madrid. Real Madrid hosts Espanyol on Saturday.
The Catalans last won La Liga in 2019, and their strategy has been influenced by a desire to produce immediate results following significant investment in the summer.
This season, Barcelona has only allowed eight goals in 24 matches, keeping 18 clean sheets in La Liga.
The latter is a record that no other club in the 21st century has achieved at the same point in a season in one of Europe’s big five leagues.
In the first 24 games of the 2012–13 season, Bayern Munich kept 17 clean sheets while also allowing eight goals. On the other hand, they have only scored 46 goals in 24 games, less than any other La Liga leader since Valencia in the 2001-2002 season.
However, the Catalans will not be able to travel to San Mames without their crucial defensive back Ronald Araujo. For dragging down Hugo Duro as he ran through on goal, the Uruguayan center-back was sent off last weekend against Valencia.
Barcelona won 1-0, their eighth victory in La Liga by the same score this season, thanks to Araujo’s decision. Jules Kounde or Marcos Alonso could take his place in the middle of the defense alongside Andreas Christensen.
the team was without a playmaker
While the team was without playmaker Pedri, winger Ousmane Dembele, and top scorer Robert Lewandowski, the team’s defensive toughness helped them keep their title push going.
The Polish striker said that the defense played a crucial role this season and that he will play again against Athletic.
The Polish forward stated that the team’s style was also influenced by Xavi’s available players and the evolution of the game since he played. You must find the ideal solution for your situation and the players you have.
Ernesto Valverde, manager of Athletic Bilbao, might have his own ideas regarding the style of Barcelona. Even though the team had won two league titles, Valverde was fired in January 2020 while the team was leading La Liga. Part of the reason for his firing was concern about the team’s poor football.
Although Valverde’s Athletic, like Barcelona, have reached the Copa del Rey semi-finals, they have lost their momentum in recent weeks and currently sit in ninth place.
Player to watch: Enes Unal
Getafe’s Turkish striker Enes Unal is their vital weapon in their bid to get away from the assignment. The forward, who has scored five goals in his last five La Liga games, could be crucial against Cadiz on Friday night in a six-point relegation game.
8: Antoine Griezmann is the top assister in the division for Atletico Madrid;300: Celta’s Hugo Mallo has played for his team more times in La Liga than any other player; Osasuna vs. Cadiz (2000); Cadiz vs. Getafe (2000); Cadiz vs. Geta.