Barça runs, Madrid doesn't: 14.5 km difference between two realities in Champions League

If there is one trait that has characterized FC Barcelona in this 2024-25 season, it is the intensity with which they approach each commitment. An intensity that translates into constant high pressure and an imposing physical display, establishing the culé team as one of the most committed in terms of kilometers covered on the field. The statistics confirm this.

The most recent example of this dynamic was the convincing 4-0 victory of Barcelona against Borussia Dortmund, in the first leg of the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League 2024-25. Hansi Flick's team covered a total of 115.7 kilometers, surpassing the German team by 3.9 (111.8).

Ranking of kilometers covered in the first leg of the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League 2024-25:

1. Inter Milan: 125.3 km.
2. Bayern Munich: 122 km.
3. FC Barcelona: 115.7 km.
4. Arsenal: 113.9 km.
5. Borussia Dortmund: 111.8 km.
6. Aston Villa: 108.5 km.
7. Paris Saint-Germain: 108.2 km.
8. Real Madrid: 101.2 km.

But the azulgrana superiority was not only physical: it was also in practically all the key statistics of the match against the aurinegros. Barcelona dominated ball possession (61% compared to 39%), made more shots on goal (10 compared to 3), and completed many more passes (545 to 349). A total recital in all facets of the game.

Barça, on the physical podium of the Champions League

With that display, FC Barcelona was placed as the third team that covered the most kilometers in this first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals. They were only surpassed by Inter Milan (125.3 km) and Bayern Munich (122 km), two giants who, in addition, faced each other. Curiously, the possible rival of the Catalan club in the 'semis' will come from that match, if Hansi Flick's team confirms their passage.

The contrast with Real Madrid and the white apathy

In turn, it is worth highlighting the abysmal contrast between the physical performance of FC Barcelona and that of Real Madrid, one of the big losers in this day of the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League 2024-25. While the azulgranas positioned themselves among the three teams that covered the most kilometers in this phase, the white team barely recorded 101.2 kilometers covered in their match against Arsenal. That is, 14.5 kilometers less than Barça and 12.3 less than their rival, the 'gunner' club itself (113.5 km). According to UEFA's official metrics, the whites were the team that ran the least in the first leg of the quarter-finals.

A quantity that exposes a team that seems dominated by apathy when a high rhythm is imposed on it. Real Madrid was unable to respond to the intensity, pressure and ball recovery of their rival, being exposed to a context in which physical display and voracity are decisive.