Barcelona failed to secure three points against Valencia at home on Saturday. This is their third consecutive road loss, following defeats to Antwerp and Girona.
The team’s main problem is its troubles in front of goal, with the elusive last touch absent. Xavi told reporters after the Valencia game, “We have to be one of the teams with the worst finishing in Europe.”
Are the Catalans really that bad? Let’s investigate.
Except for two convincing 5-0 victories against Betis and Antwerp back in September, Xavi’s men often secure matches with narrow wins, eight times this season resulting in a 1-0 scoreline on the board.
Barcelona’s struggle lies in converting numerous opportunities into goals. According to analytics from La Pausa, among 15 teams across Europe’s big five leagues averaging 3+ big chances per game this season, Barca ranks 15th for the conversion rate of these chances (31%). Surprisingly, this puts them below Chelsea – a team facing persistent finishing challenges (36%).
Missed opportunities have proven costly for Barca, resulting in a six-point deficit from the top spot in La Liga. The players need to work on their confidence to turn things around this season.
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