Sat Dec 21 20:30:00 UTC 2024: ## Barcelona’s Defensive Woes Threaten Title Hopes Ahead of Atlético Clash

**Barcelona, Spain** – FC Barcelona’s once-imposing defense is proving to be a major weakness, jeopardizing their La Liga title aspirations. The team, now under Hansi Flick, has conceded goals in seven consecutive league matches, a stark contrast to their strong start to the season. Their last clean sheet came on October 26th, a 4-0 victory over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Opponents have been remarkably efficient in finding the back of the net against Barça. Leganés scored twice on just four shots, while Las Palmas managed two goals on three shots. This defensive fragility has seen Barcelona concede 10 goals since the Real Madrid match, bringing their season total to 20 – a far cry from the 11 conceded by their next opponents, Atlético Madrid, currently the league’s stingiest defense.

This defensive vulnerability echoes Barcelona’s performance two seasons ago under Xavi, when they also conceded 20 goals but managed 26 clean sheets (68.4% of matches). In contrast, only one of the last five La Liga winners conceded more than 30 goals (Real Madrid with 31 in 21/22).

Ahead of their crucial match against Atlético, manager Hansi Flick received positive news with the return to training of Ansu Fati and Andreas Christensen, though both are yet to be fully cleared medically. Long-term absentees Marc-André ter Stegen, Marc Bernal, and Lamine Yamal remain sidelined. Alejandro Balde celebrated his 100th appearance for the club.

Flick will address the media today before the Atlético match. Barcelona’s title ambitions hinge on significantly improving their defensive performance.

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