Barcelona‘s unbeaten start to the season continued on Saturday, as they brushed aside Leganes with a 3-0 victory that stretched their lead over rivals Real Madrid to 11 points.
It wasn’t a vintage Barcelona performance, apart from one aspect – Luis Suarez got on the scoresheet, twice. The Uruguayan has had his struggles this season but a brace on Saturday should give him a shot of confidence and make Barcelona even more threatening.
Here are Seven Deadly Stats from the game…
SUAREZ ENDS GOAL DROUGHT
Suarez had never gone six games without scoring for Barcelona, but he was in danger of hitting that mark on Saturday. Instead, thanks to his brace, he ended his scoreless run at five games.
Luis Suarez has ended his joint longest run without a goal in all competitions for @FCBarcelona - had gone 5 games without scoring pic.twitter.com/AutHDwxKmx
— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) November 18, 2017
BUSQUETS THE SURPRISE MAINSTAY
It’s hard to remember now, but there was a time when Sergio Busquets’ ability was doubted. But he’s become one of the world’s best midfielders, and a Barcelona mainstay. He’s been worthy of hitting the 450 appearance mark.
👏🔝Busquets plays game number 450 for Barça
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 18, 2017
1️⃣ Xavi 767
2️⃣ Iniesta 644
3️⃣ Messi 601
4️⃣ Puyol 593
5️⃣ Migueli 549
6️⃣ Valdés 535
7️⃣ SERGIO 450
7️⃣ Rexach 450
👏 Congrats, Sergio!👏 pic.twitter.com/WlO4R3trPH
TER STEGEN AMONG THE WORLD’S BEST
The discussion around the world’s best goalkeepers usually boils down to three, maybe four players, with Manuel Neuer guaranteed to be one of them. His understudy is also joining that list. Marc-Andre Ter Stegen has been superb in the Barcelona goal this season, often saving his team’s skin during the rare spells when Barca haven’t been at their best. He was at it again on Saturday.
Most clean sheets in La Liga this season:
— Ter Stegen Stats (@MarcAndreStats) November 18, 2017
TER STEGEN - 8
Cuellar - 7
Oblak - 6
Barbosa - 6 pic.twitter.com/sQA5zR9jo1
PAULINHO THRIVING
The signing of Paulinho still baffles some, but the Brazilian has won over most critics with his performances in the Barcelona midfield. It’s not just that he’s a solid, stabilising presence in the middle of the park, he’s also proving to be a goal threat – and there’s no better way to silence doubters than by scoring goals.
4 - Paulinho has scored as many goals as BBC (Bale, Benzema Cristiano) in La Liga this season (4). Signing pic.twitter.com/7gO021L2jJ
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) November 18, 2017
NOT JUST A FLASHY ATTACK
Lionel Messi and his attacking colleagues hog the headlines, understandably, but Barcelona’s success this season has been underpinned by great form at the back as well. They’ll be tested next week, when they take on second-placed Valencia without Gerard Pique, who will be suspended after picking up another yellow card on Saturday.
4 - @FCBarcelona have just conceded four goals in La Liga this season, their best start in terms of goals conceded after the first 12 games ever. Valverde pic.twitter.com/gsCxSDkLO1
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) November 18, 2017
SUAREZ’S DOUBLE HABIT
After his struggles this season, one goal wasn’t going to be enough to restore Suarez’s confidence. So it’s a good thing he got two – something he does quite often, more so than anyone other than Messi. Also, that gap between him and Messi – just goes to show how brilliant the Argentinian is, if ever more evidence were needed.
5 - Only Leo Messi (11) has scored more braces than Luis Suárez (5) in La Liga in 2017. Insatiables pic.twitter.com/CZlCfoojqS
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) November 18, 2017
A BAD OMEN?
Barcelona’s brilliant start has left them as the clear favourites for the La Liga title – especially with the huge gap to Real Madrid, the most realistic challengers. But they’ll know not to assume anything; the last time Barcelona had 34 points from the opening 12 games, they ended up losing out on the title to a side no one expected to win the league. It was Atletico Madrid in 2013/14. Could it be Valencia this year?
Barcelona has 34 points through 12 league games, tied for the most in La Liga history.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) November 18, 2017
Barcelona also had 34 points through a dozen games in 2013-14; it didn't win the title that season. pic.twitter.com/VcMk8M4xbJ