# Barcelona's Defensive Weakness: Conceding the Most Goals in La Liga at 0.8 per match, Behind Only Real Madrid

Barcelona's defensive performance this season has been a cause for concern, with the team conceding goals at a rate of 0.8 per match in La Liga. While Real Madrid holds the title for the highest number of goals conceded, Barcelona’s defensive issues have been a recurring theme, raising questions about their ability to maintain dominance at the top of Spanish football.

One of the primary reasons for Barcelona's defensive struggles lies in their high defensive line. The team often sits deep in defense, which allows opponents to exploit space, especially in counter-attacks. This approach works wonders when in full possession of the ball, as it can unlock defenses with quick transitions. However, it leaves the backline vulnerable when the opposition counter, a common scenario in matches against physically demanding sides.

Defensively, Barcelona has conceded 22 goals in 16 matches this season, a rate of 1.375 goals per game, the highest among the top four La Liga sides. While Real Madrid has a slightly lower rate, the gap is narrow, and both teams have faced similar defensive challenges. Barcelona's defensive record is particularly concerning because of the high expectation placed on their backline to keep clean sheets, given their attacking output.

The absence of key defenders like Gerard Piqué and Samuel Umtiti has not helped. Both players are integral to Barcelona's defensive structure, and their injuries have left manager Ronald Koeman with limited options. Youngsters like Marc-André ter Stegen have had to step in, but the German goalkeeper has made critical errors, contributing to goals conceded.

Another factor is the lack of consistency in defensive organization. Barcelona's backline often looks disorganized, especially when facing aggressive pressing opponents. This can lead to turnovers in dangerous areas, which opponents are quick to exploit.

Despite these issues, Barcelona's defensive record is not entirely negative. The team has kept 10 clean sheets this season, and their defensive consistency has been decent compared to some of their recent campaigns. However, the number of goals conceded, especially in key matches, has hindered their progress.

Experts have pointed out that Barcelona's defensive problems are a combination of factors, including the high line, lack of defensive depth, and the physicality of opponents. To address this, Koeman may need to adjust his tactics or reinforce the defense in the summer transfer window.

For now, Barcelona's defensive vulnerability remains a significant concern. While the team continues to score goals at will, their inability to prevent opponents from finding the net could cost them dearly as the season progresses. The Blaugrana must act quickly to fix these issues if they are to maintain their status as one of Europe's elite sides.