After dominating the early stages of LaLiga with 11 wins in 12 games, Barcelona has hit a rough patch, collecting just one point from the last nine in matches against Real Sociedad (1-0), Celta Vigo (2-2), and UD Las Palmas (1-2). Here’s a breakdown of the main issues behind this dip in form:

1. Losing Their Scoring Edge

Barcelona’s attack was unstoppable early on, scoring 40 goals in the first 12 matches at an average of 3.3 goals per game. However, this has nosedived to just three goals in the last three games, bringing the average down to one goal per match.

2. Defensive High Line Exposed

Hansi Flick’s signature high-pressing, advanced defensive line worked wonders early in the season, conceding only 0.91 goals per game. Recently, opponents have found ways to exploit this setup, with Barça now conceding an average of 1.67 goals per game over the last three matches. Flick defended his defenders, attributing the issues to a lack of pressure up front.

3. Post-Classico and Bayern Hangover

October ended with huge wins over Bayern Munich (4-1) and Real Madrid (0-4). But since then, Barça’s performances have wavered. They showed lapses against Espanyol (3-1) and Red Star Belgrade (5-2), before struggling in:

• Anoeta: No shots on target and trouble against Real Sociedad’s high press.
• Balaídos: Blew a 2-0 lead in the dying minutes.
• Las Palmas: Looked unprepared against the opposition’s aggressive press

4. Missing Lamine Yamal’s Spark

Barcelona hasn’t won a league match this season when Lamine Yamal hasn’t started. He missed key games due to rotation or injury, including defeats to Osasuna and Real Sociedad, and a draw against Celta. Even though he returned against Las Palmas, his second-half introduction couldn’t save the game.

5. The Marc Casadó Effect

The absence of Marc Casadó in midfield has also coincided with defensive lapses. Barcelona conceded four goals in the last two games without him. Against Celta, his late red card at 0-2 sparked a collapse, and his suspension against Las Palmas left the team lacking cohesion and defensive intensity.

The Road Ahead

Barcelona faces a critical test to bounce back and reignite their LaLiga title hopes. With Flick at the helm, the challenge will be regaining consistency and addressing the vulnerabilities that opponents are exploiting.