Five key stats ahead of Granada vs Barcelona

Over the last few seasons, a lot of teams have found the perfect fitting solution against Barcelona that is bound to get them results. A low block coupled with two wide players ready to break off the shoulder of the fullback seems to get the job done. Getafe, Atletico Madrid, Cadiz, and even Real Madrid have used this multiple times.

Another team that has become a nuisance for the Camp Nou faithful is Granada. The Andalusian side are well-versed in this tactical style and have stolen several points from Barça recently. In fact, they have lost just two of their last five games against the Catalan giants in the league. Tonight, they will host the Blaugranas once again.

Barcelona’s last five games against Granada in La Liga:

Barcelona 1-1 Granada
Barcelona 1-2 Granada
Granada 0-4 Barcelona
Barcelona 1-0 Granada
Granada 2-0 Barcelona

W2, L2, D1.

— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) January 8, 2022

To make matters worse for Barcelona, Granada boast of one of the best active unbeaten streaks across the top five leagues and the best one in La Liga. Since losing against Real Madrid, the Andalusian outfit have won three and tied three, including a 2-1 win vs Atletico Madrid.

Longest active unbeaten streak in La Liga:

Getafe: 6 games
Granada: 6 games

Granada will host Barcelona at home tonight.

— @WhoScored pic.twitter.com/nSbnMLVMak

— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) January 8, 2022

However, those in garnet and blue are on quite a run of form of their own. Since Xavi was appointed manager, they have lost just one game in La Liga, winning 14 out of 21 points – the second highest.

La Liga table since Xavi’s appointment (7 games):

1. Real Madrid – 16 points
2. Barcelona – 14 points
3. Sevilla – 14 points
4. Betis – 12 points
5. Villarreal – 10 points
6. Atletico Madrid – 9 points

— @CaptnGuardiola pic.twitter.com/HPo8R3OgSF

— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) January 8, 2022

This total could have been much higher, though. Not only under Xavi but from Ronald Koeman’s reign as well. Poor finishing has haunted Barça all season, as they have failed to convert 33 of the 52 big chances they created. A lot of those shots have also hit the woodwork, including two last weekend alone.

Barcelona have hit the woodwork the most times in La Liga this season — 12.

If shots that hit the post went in, they would be just three points off the top of the table with 36 (Real Madrid – 39).

— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) January 8, 2022

Barcelona’s youth has converted most of the chances that have found the net, scoring 12 out of a total of 34 goals across three competitions.

35% of Barcelona’s goals this season have been scored by players younger than 23.

— @Barca19stats pic.twitter.com/WjCQReZ9YY

— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) January 8, 2022