Barça News
Five key stats from the Barcelona 2-1 Athletic Bilbao game
Barcelona took their revenge over Athletic Bilbao from the Spanish Super Cup final as Lionel Messi, and Antoine Griezmann helped the hosts seal the league double over the Basque outfit. A rather entertaining game was followed by a plethora of statistics from various outlets.
Defence
Starting from the negatives, Jordi Alba scored yet another own goal for Barcelona in an attempt to block off Iker Munian’s late run. His sliding attempt whizzed past Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who could do little to nothing about it.
Jordi Alba is now tied for most own goals (5) in La Liga history. pic.twitter.com/wBvdl8IceB
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) January 31, 2021
One of Alba’s defensive partner, though, simply cannot stop performing at the highest level, something barely anyone could imagine. Of course, the man is Ronald Araujo, who is yet to be beaten in a 1v1 situation in the league.
Ronald Araújo is the only player in Europe's top 5 leagues with over 900 minutes played, who hasn't been dribbled past at least once.
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) January 31, 2021
— SofaScore pic.twitter.com/w05BtKA7uH
Midfield
In the centre of the park, the duo of Frenkie de Jong and Pedri continue to astound fans. While the former is a seasoned international, Pedri has come into his own at a new club, and continues to perform at the highest level despite being 18.
Pedri (18 years and 67 days) has become the youngest player to complete 12 or more recoveries in the same match since the 07/08 season.
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) January 31, 2021
— Opta pic.twitter.com/xVUx9hMO4k
Attack
Lionel Messi was not letting the news about his contract, or the red card he picked up against Bilbao in the previous game get to his head. He missed an easy 1v1 chance early on in the game, but made up for that with a stunning performance and an absolute earth-shattering free kick. We all know about Leo’s ability from dead-ball situations, but he has now scored three times as many goals from direct free-kicks in the last five years.
Messi has scored (at least) three times as many goals from direct free-kicks than any other player in the 5 major leagues in the last 5 years:
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) January 31, 2021
• 24 Messi
• 8 Kolarov, Ward-Prowse, Parejo
• 7 Dybala, Aspas
Legend.
— @2010MisterChip pic.twitter.com/lmbVL2x8ZB
We wrap this up with none other than Antoine Griezmann. The Frenchman has started to perform at the highest possible level with Barcelona, at long last. His goal against Bilbao yesterday took him to six for the season. Additionally, in January, the World Cup winner has scored three goals and given assist in three games against Bilbao. His red-hot form must not go unnoticed.
Antoine Griezmann has been involved in 9 goals in his last 8 matches for Barcelona. The Frenchman has scored 5 goals and has made 4 assists. pic.twitter.com/0TytV9UIwI
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) January 31, 2021
Poor
Good
Excellent
