FCBARCELONA.CAT

13.12.2007 13:18

The most dangerous team in Europe

Roger Bogunyà

Barça is the most dangerous team in European club football. The statistics show that Barça has had more shots on goal during the group stage of the Champions League than any other team.

Barça have had 48 shots on goal in the six group stage matches. Only Lyon come close with 45, while teams of the quality of Valencia (20), Arsenal (32) and Sevilla (34) trail far behind.

Leaders in possession

Frank Rijkaard’s team also tops the ranking as far as possession of the ball is concerned, with a figure of 59%. The two other representative of the Spanish league in the last 16 follow closely behind: Real Madrid (58%) and Sevilla (55%).

Second in corners

Possession of the ball and shots on goal inevitably generate further opportunities to score, and the number of corners won by Barça is a reflection of this. Barça have won 43 corners, a figure only bettered by Manchester United (47). Indeed, Puyol’s opening goal away to Stuttgart came from a corner.

Only three goals conceded

However, Barça’s excellence in attack has been matched by their defensive performances. They have conceded three goals, a record that is only bettered by Chelsea with two.

All this adds up to solid group stage campaign that saw Barça guarantee top spot before last night’s match and maintain an unbeaten record along with Manchester United and Chelsea.