The five best FC Barcelona matches in 2024The five best FC Barcelona matches in 2024

This Tuesday will be the last day of 2024. A year in which the Barça fan has seen all kinds of events pass before his eyes. It has been a most curious return to the sun, in which Barça has lived on a constant roller coaster. In the midst of this context, there have been matches that have hypnotized the world of football, while others would have been better played in double speed. This article will be dedicated to reviewing what are, according to the author's criteria, the five best matches that FC Barcelona has played in the second half of last season and the first of this one.

It is important to remember that this text is written applying a logical subjectivity as it is an opinion. The writer likes good associative play, the characteristic of the champion Barça. That is why, in terms of the selection of matches, this aspect will take precedence over any other. Likewise, the rival against which the Barça team has fought in a duel will also be an aspect that defines the classification. However, the emotional part will also have its weight. With the rules on the table, dear FCBN reader, it is time to dive into the analysis.

Position 1: Real Madrid 0-4 FC Barcelona

This season's 'El Clásico' must have a place in this ranking, there can be no debate there. In this case, under the author's criteria, it is the best game that FC Barcelona has played in 2024. The reasons for it being in this place are clear: the splendid performance of the team, the emotional weight of beating Real Madrid and the final result. This match was the acid test that confirmed that the gears of the Blaugrana system were well adjusted and that the Flick method worked.

Facing a prolific forward line, the Barcelona defence performed perfectly, leaving the home team offside on 12 occasions. Also, in attack, the men dressed in blaugrana, dished out a good beating, scoring 4 goals against their bitter rival. It was a luxury match, in which the second half was a real carnage against Real Madrid. Not only did Barça manage to display a dream game, but they also left their opponent absolutely powerless.

2nd place: FC Barcelona 4-1 Bayern Munich

The hunt for the black beast of the last 9 years. The Bavarian team had not lost against Barça since 2015 (3-0), in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final. In fact, the second leg saw the start of the losing streak for the Catalans, as Bayern won 3-2 at the Allianz Arena, but it was of no use to them. The Barcelona side had been powerless against their black beast, as after the painful 2-8 defeat, they had not managed to score a goal until the match mentioned in this section. For these reasons, the importance of this match is great.

The Catalan team opened the scoring in the first minute, but fears arose when the German team attacked in response. The equaliser came, after a first goal was disallowed for an offside position, with a goal from Harry Kane. Thus, Hansi Flick's pupils stuck out their chests and managed to finish the first half with a 3-1 in their favour. In the second half, Raphinha, who was the one who opened the floodgates, scored the fourth goal and placed the final result on the scoreboard. This duel has a great emotional weight due to the liberation that this victory represented, both for the players and for the fans. In addition, on the pitch, the game was very good.

Position 3: FC Barcelona 1-2 Atlético

A recent wound. Barça's last game of 2024. Despite it being a defeat, it is impossible not to put this game among the best five of the year. Led by a stellar Pedri, the Catalans were absolutely superior to Atlético de Madrid. However, football was not fair to them because, despite the fact that they proposed a lot, Jan Oblak was in charge of frustrating the local opportunities. For their part, the colchoneros took the three points with a counterattack, taking advantage of the fact that the hosts opted for a finale with an open grave.

This match was also a semi-redemption for a team that had been giving a bad image to the world for several games. This defeat is a source of pride, because things were done very well. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough, because what defines everything in this sport are the goals and the one who scores the most wins. However, hopefully this performance will be the path followed in 2025, although adjusting the aspects that failed.

4th place: FC Barcelona 7-0 Real Valladolid

Fourth place is for the fourth matchday of LaLiga 24/25. The uncorking of the Barcelona essence, the starting shot for the steamroller designed by Hansi Flick. After three narrow victories against tough rivals, the Catalan team made a weak Valladolid pay the price and put the world on alert with an astonishing thrashing. Despite the fact that the rival is not even close to being at the level of Barça, this match deserves a place in this ranking, as it was the start of the great version seen in this half-season.

The Blaugrana offensive display was unstoppable. The hosts had 23 shots, of which 11 were on target and 7 ended up in the back of the net. Dani Olmo also scored another goal, ruled out for offside, and sent two balls against the post, as did Lewandowski, who also hit the woodwork. Without a doubt, this was the game that Barça fans enjoyed the most, but it is not higher up because the opponent and the circumstances are not as important.

Position 5: Atlético 0-3 FC Barcelona

Finally, Barça's victory at the Metropolitano has been chosen to occupy the final position. It was a very disputed duel, in which Xavi Hernández's pupils competed and prevailed at Atlético de Madrid's home ground. With João Félix signing one of his best performances in the Barça jersey, the Barcelona team won a difficult match and set on track for a run of two great performances, as this clash came after the return leg of the Champions League round of 16 against Napoli (3-1). In fact, the aforementioned European match could also occupy this place.

In this case, despite the level of play being good, it was not the best seen. It was a difficult match that was decided by the verticality in attack. Understandably, it is so high in the ranking because it meant the recovery of second place in La Liga, above Girona, and a sign that the Barcelona team was not going to give up in the fight for the domestic championship. Also, the opponent is a key aspect for this match to enter the top.