Barcelona have not really had a proper bogey team since Real Sociedad at the Anoeta. After going winless in San Sabastian for nine years, Ernesto Valverde finally broke the curse when his team won 2-4 in 2018/19.
However, over the last two seasons, they have been extremely troubled by newcomers Cadiz. The Andalusian outfit gained promotion following the 2019/20 season, and have managed to avoid defeat against Barcelona in the following four games.
In fact, Barça have technically not beaten Cadiz in the last 15 years. The last time they did was in 2006, after which Los Piratas sunk to the second division.
Tonight, Barcelona make the trip to Estadio Ramon de Carranza, hoping to finally get all three points from this fixture. Barça Universal brings to you five statistics that could be key heading into the game.
1. Goals Galore: Barcelona have opened this season in sensational fashion, scoring 16 goals in the opening five games – including the Champions League. This is even more impressive, considering that their first game of the season – vs Rayo Vallecano – ended in a goalless stalemate.
The Blaugranes have scored 16 goals in five games to open a new campaign only once before in the last 60 years: 2018/19, under Ernesto Valverde.
2. 50-50: We have already established Barcelona’s incredible goalscoring form: 16 in five. But interestingly enough, the goalscoring burden has been shared 50-50. Well, technically.
That is to say, new signing Robert Lewandowski has scored eight goals out of the 16 – three in the UCL, five in the league, while the rest of the eight have been scored by eight different players.
Namely, Ousmane Dembele, Ansu Fati, Pedri, Sergi Roberto, Raphinha, Eric Garcia, Franck Kessie, and Ferran Torres.
3. Winning streak: The last two and a half seasons have been very turbulent for Barcelona. During this time, the fans have witnessed four different managers take over responsibility at the club, with little to varying success.
In November-December 2019, Valverde oversaw a streak of six wins in a row. They have managed to win five or more in a row only once since then: January-February 2021, when Xavi’s men defeated Cornella, Elche, Rayo Vallecano, Athletic Club, Granada, and Real Betis across two competitions.
The Spanish coach has the chance to achieve that feat again tonight if his team can get all three points.
4. Widening the gap: While Barcelona are evidently in superb goalscoring form, the defence must get the plaudits it deserves, too. They have let in just two goals across the five games, ensuring a goal difference of +14.
The last time they achieved this incredible number was way back in 1995/1996.
5. Ousmane Dembrilliant: Ousmane Dembele has looked like a different man since Xavi took over as manager. Not only did he manage to finish as the top assist provider in the league last season, but he has also built on that form and looks as unstoppable, if not more.
He was the only player to give 5+ key passes and complete 5+ dribbles in the opening gameweek of the Champions League. Further, he has created the joint-second most ‘big chances’ in the league – three – while also averaging the joint-second most key passes per game – 2.8.