Barcelona Strikers Search for Missing Goals

FC Barcelona has recently reclaimed the top spot in La Liga following a decisive victory against Levante. However, the team’s strikers failed to contribute any goals, as the victories came from midfielders Marc Bernal, Fermín, and Frenkie de Jong. Unfortunately, de Jong will be sidelined for approximately six weeks due to a muscle injury.

This outcome highlights a concerning trend for Barcelona’s forwards. None of the strikers have scored in the last three matches, totaling over 300 minutes without finding the net. Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, the primary forwards, have been in a goal drought for three weeks.

Barcelona’s Goal Statistics

Despite the struggles of the forwards, Barcelona remains the top-scoring team in the league with 67 goals and has made the most offensive attempts, totaling 372 shots. The team boasts a diverse offensive lineup, featuring 16 different scorers this season, achieving over 100 goals, alongside six players netting more than ten.

Forward Performance Analysis

• Ferran Torres leads the team with 16 goals.
• Lamine Yamal follows closely with 15 goals.
• Lewandowski, last season’s top scorer with 42 goals, has only netted 13 this campaign.
• Combined, the two strikers scored 61 goals last season but just 29 this year.

In the latest match against Levante, Lewandowski struggled significantly. He completed only 12 passes, lost one duel, and attempted just a single shot at goal. His evident frustration is a reflection of the forward’s current struggles.

Upcoming Challenges

Barcelona is set to face Villarreal next, who currently sits as the fifth-best defensive team in La Liga, conceding only 27 goals. This match will also mark the 100th appearance for coach Hansi Flick with the club. “Why not 100 more?” Flick remarked, showing his optimism.

The match is critical for Barcelona, especially with expectations to regain form from their forwards while maintaining their collective attacking strength. Barcelona has consistently won all of their home matches this year at Camp Nou. However, Villarreal has won three of their last four visits, presenting a significant challenge.

In the backdrop, the Champions League draw has added another layer of complexity, with Newcastle set to be their next opponent, a team whom Flick regards highly. The absence of de Jong will necessitate adjustments, but Flick remains hopeful that other players will seize this opportunity.

Barcelona aims to break their strikers’ goal drought while continuing to perform as a dynamic scoring unit as they navigate these upcoming challenges.