FC Barcelona matches best defensive record of 21st century in Europe

FC Barcelona matches best defensive record of 21st century in Europe

The amazing 18 clean sheets in 24 games is unprecedented among the five biggest leagues in the continent

Against Valencia on Sunday, Marc-André Ter Stegen once again did not have to pick the ball out of the back of his net. That's the eighteenth time this league season that the German stopper has been spared that unfortunate duty. In just 24 games!

A look at the stats from previous editions of the five biggest leagues in Europe (Premier League, Serie A, Bundesliga, Ligue 1 and La Liga) shows just what a spectacular achievement that is.

Clean sheet record

The closest a team has come to the current Barça's 18 shutouts after 24 games was Bayern Munich's class of 2012/13, who were unbeaten on 17 occasions. 

Porteries-a-cero_CAS

In the Premier League, Manchester City (2020/21 and 2021/22) and Manchester United (2017/18) share the record of 14. In Italy (Roma 2013/14), France (PSG 2012/13) and Spain (Atlético Madrid 2017/18) the record is 16. Or in La Liga's case, was, for Barça have blown away Atlético's record.

Eight goals in 24 games

Almeria's goal a week ago was just the eighth to go past Ter Stegen this whole season. An astonishing average of just one goal conceded every three games.

defensa ocasion valencia

Since the year 2000, no team in the big five leagues has ever conceded fewer, and just two were able to match that record (Bayern Munich in 2012/13 and Chelsea in 2004/05).

Gols-Contra_CAS

The old adage goes that it's attacks that win games but defences that win championships. That certainly seems to be the case this season, because Barça are ten points clear at the top of the Liga table and looking on fine course for a first title in four years.

Força Barça
Força Barça

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