Barcelona’s recent performance against Granada in LaLiga has highlighted the team’s ongoing defensive struggles. The coach, Xavi Hernández, expressed his disappointment after a 3-3 draw, which has left Barcelona trailing Real Madrid by a significant 10-point margin. Despite the setback, Xavi remains determined to maintain hope in the title race.
Once again, Barcelona’s defensive frailties were exposed during the match against Granada. Lamine Yamal opened the scoring for the visitors, and Barça found themselves trailing 2-1 and 3-2 against a team positioned second from bottom in the league. Although Yamal’s brace salvaged a point for Barcelona, the defensive lapses and missed opportunities to secure victory have further complicated their pursuit of the title.
Barcelona’s season has been marred by poor defending, as demonstrated by the goals conceded against Granada. Ricard Sánchez and Facundo Pellestri both found the back of the net, with Robert Lewandowski equalizing for Barcelona. Ignasi Miquel then restored Granada’s lead. This recurring issue has been a defining theme throughout the season, contributing to their failure to secure vital points.
Barcelona’s defensive struggles have been consistent, as evidenced by their last month’s 5-3 defeat to Villarreal. Since the beginning of 2024, Barcelona has conceded a staggering 24 goals in just 11 games across all competitions. This defensive vulnerability places them at the top as the team that has conceded the most goals in Europe’s major leagues. It is clear that defensive errors have cost Barcelona valuable points.
Last season, Barcelona’s ability to win the league was largely attributed to their strong defense. After 24 league games, they had only conceded eight goals. In stark contrast, this season, they have already leaked 33 goals at the same stage. The significant difference indicates a variety of factors affecting Barcelona’s defensive prowess, such as changes in form, player departures, injuries, lack of cohesion, and recurring concentration errors.
Following the defeat to Villarreal, Xavi Hernández made the surprising announcement of his departure at the end of the season. He highlighted the setback against Granada as a step backward but emphasized the positive response from his players, who managed to secure seven points out of their last nine available. Xavi’s departure and the players’ reaction have become key talking points as they navigate through a challenging season.
Despite Barcelona’s defensive woes, one positive aspect of their recent performances is the emergence of 16-year-old Lamine Yamal. With his brace against Granada, Yamal has become the youngest player ever to score three LaLiga goals before turning 17. Despite facing tough opponents, Yamal’s talent and impact on the game have been undeniable, capturing the attention of fans and experts alike.
Granada coach Alexander Medina acknowledged the threat posed by Yamal and revealed the team’s strategy to counter the young Spaniard. However, Medina admitted that their planned approach ultimately failed, as Yamal’s performance outshone their efforts to control him. Despite the disappointment, Medina recognized Yamal’s potential and expressed admiration for his skills.
Barcelona’s defensive woes have proven to be a significant setback in their LaLiga title race. The team’s inability to rectify their defensive errors and secure vital points has placed them in a challenging position, trailing leaders Real Madrid by a substantial gap. While hope remains, it is clear that Barcelona must address their defensive issues promptly to stand a chance of competing for the league title. Only with a solid defensive foundation can they regain their previous success and hold their own against tough opponents.