LaLiga 2018-19: FC Barcelona 3-0 SD Eibar - 5 Talking Points

#4 Barcelona's defense shows improvement against a stubborn underdog

Pique and Lenglet finally figure out a way to deal with crosses. They won a combined 11 aerial duels and had 20 clearances among themselves.

It was never going to be a cake-walk for Barcelona against Eibar. They are one of the better teams in the attacking end in the league. They have scored 21 league goals which are the same number as that scored by 6th placed Getafe. Even Real Madrid has scored only 28 league goals despite being a team reliant on the attack more than defense, and that too with much better personnel that Eibar.

FC Barcelona's defensive lapses have been ever-present this season. They have conceded many goals due to weak defense and could have been avoided. Particularly, they have been weak defending crosses and high lobbed passes into the box. Their opponents have scored most of the goals through these methods.

Yesterday, Eibar used the same tactic to bring Barcelona down. They whipped in a lot of crosses into the box. They managed to trouble the defense but this time Barcelona had anticipated an aerial bombardment. Even Valverde possibly warned Pique about the defense when he had the chat after the first goal. Clement Lenglet was very good in clearing any imminent danger, particularly on one occasion, where he headed the ball out from close range.

Barcelona's defensive stats are proof to it. They won 16 out of 26 defensive aerials against Eibar. 11 of the 16 were won by Pique and Lenglet combined. In addition, Barcelona got 87% of their tackles right, 20/23. They also made 13 interceptions and had 31 clearances.

Barcelona needs to put up more of these performances at the back end even against teams with a better attack. Eibar is a team with a good attacking eye but Barcelona managed to keep a clean sheet against them. The Blaugrana would want to continue this form at the back.