Barça reaches the same number of defeats as last season's LaLiga

After an exciting start to the season in LaLiga, with 11 victories in the first 12 matchdays and an overwhelming pace, Hansi Flick's FC Barcelona has collapsed in the tournament during the last two months of 2024. Despite sticking to the style imposed by the German coach, the lack of finishing, defensive fragility, and physical fatigue have ruined everything achieved during the first three months of competition.

Against Atlético de Madrid (1-2), the Catalans recorded their fifth defeat of the tournament, the third consecutive at home and the fourth in the last seven matchdays. This means the team finishes the first half of the season with 38 points, 3 less than last season after 19 matchdays (41) and with the same number of defeats as those recorded throughout LaLiga 2023/24.

The statistics are undoubtedly harsh for a Barcelona that, despite having a much better goal difference (+21, while in the previous first half it was +14), has failed to win matches where they were clearly superior. This happened in their last three appearances at Montjuïc, where their superiority on the field was only reflected in the score during the first half against the 'colchoneros'.

Flick's Barça is now at the same level as Xavi's

Barça closed the first half of the season repeating many of their defensive mistakes and with the same number of goals conceded (22). In attack, the effectiveness from the start of the season translates into 15 more goals scored, but the consistency (12 wins from 19 in both seasons) does not improve. On the contrary, Barça has reversed the number of draws (5) and defeats (2) compared to the previous season. Hence, with Xavi Hernández, the team had three more points at this stage.

As for their position in the table, it seems that the Catalans will finish the first half in third place. In the worst-case scenario, they will do so 6 and 5 points behind the leader and second place, respectively, if both Atlético and Real Madrid manage to win their pending matches. In 2023/24, the gap to the leaders (Madrid and Girona) was slightly larger (7 points). Starting in January, Hansi Flick will need to adjust several gears in his team to reverse this tough situation.

Comparison of Barça's first half in 23/24 and 24/25

• FC Barcelona 2023/24: 12 wins, 5 draws, and 2 defeats (41 points). 36 goals scored and 22 conceded (+14). Position in the table: third, 7 points behind Real Madrid (leader with 48) and Girona (co-leader with the same number of points).
• FC Barcelona 2024/25: 12 wins, 2 draws, and 5 defeats (38 points). 51 goals scored and 22 conceded (+21). Position in the table: to be determined (matchdays 18 and 19 have yet to be completed).