Positive statistics

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The statistics confirm that Barça have started the season in good form, with a free-scoring attack and a tough defence. The numbers back up the feeling that Rijkaard’s team is going well.

FC Barcelona is, together with Real Madrid, the highest scoring team in the Spanish league with 16 goals. However, Barça takes a clear lead when it comes to shots on goal: of the 107 shots, 54 have been on target whereas Real Madrid has managed 100 shots, only 39 on target.

The attacking power of Messi, Henry and Ronaldinho

These three players have produced 52 shots between them. Messi is the league’s top scorer with 6 goals in 6 matches from 20 shots, 7 of them on target. Meanwhile, Henry has scored 3 goals and hit the woodwork twice. Ronaldinho has managed 9 shots, 5 on target and 2 goals, both against Athletic Bilbao.

The midfield contribution

Apart from their midfield duties of pressing, regaining possession and setting off attacking moves, Touré Yayá, Deco, Xavi and Iniesta have also contributed with a goal apiece in these first 7 league matches. Touré took on a defensive midfield role until he picked up his injury, a role that has now been passed to Iniesta.

Barça also stands in third place in terms of recovering possession (Valladolid and Espanyol are first and second respectively). Barça averages 54 recoveries a match. When it comes to passes completed, Barça leads the way with 3606, almost 500 per match.

A safe defence

Barça has the second best defensive record in the league so far. Víctor Valdés has conceded 4 goals, none of which has cost the team any points. This is also Rijkaard’s second best defensive start to a season in his time with the Club. The incorporation of Abidal and Milito has done much to stiffen the Barça defence. Both players have committed 10 fouls in 7 matches but neither has received a yellow card.