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The 2020-21 season was a hectic one due to the tight schedule that resulted because of the Covid-19 pandemic. It only got more intense as Euro 2020 and the Olympics were held after the season.
It took a lot of toll on the players but they are back strong this season. Europe's top five leagues have got off to an entertaining start with teams going full throttle to win it.
Modern football has a lot of variety to it, with teams approaching it with different tactics. While some have preferred the attacking approach, teams have done well relying on defensive solidity too.
In Europe's top five leagues, clubs have been efficient in not conceding much. That has been one of the keys to their success so far. On that note, let's take a look at the five teams with the best defensive record in Europe this season:
#5 Sevilla
Sevilla are known to be a strong unit at the back and this season they have stayed true to their reputation.
The La Liga club have started the season very strongly, having won 28 points in 13 games. They have only conceded nine goals in the process, the second-best record in La Liga. Having only lost against Granada this season, they sit at the top of the table.
With the likes of Jules Kounde, Jesus Navas, Diego Carlos and Marcus Acuna at the back, Sevilla look very strong defensively. If they manage to score comprehensively, they can seriously challenge for the league title this season.
#4 Athletic Bilbao
Athletic Bilbao have been one of the stronger teams in La Liga but their inconsistency has hit them time and again. This season, under the management of Marcelino, they have started on a decent note.
The Spanish club have only lost twice in the 13 games they have played so far. In total, they have conceded only eight times this season, the best record in La Liga. Where they have struggled most is in the attack. Athletic Bilbao have managed to score only 11 goals, which is why they have seen more draws than wins this season.
Nevertheless, their defense has been a big positive for them. With an experienced campaigner in the form of Inigo Martinez at the back and some skilled Spanish defenders alongside him, Bilbao look very strong at the back.
#3 Manchester City
Pep Guardiola is one of the best tactical minds in the game and it is clearly seen in the Premier League. The Spanish manager has already won the league three times and his team has done well so far this season.
Manchester City have been a dominant force in the league for the past few years and some of the credit goes to their defense for it. Guardiola has assembled a group of smart and impactful defenders who are not only effective defensively but also productive in the attack.
Young Ruben Dias has become a leader at the back and can do well when paired with John Stones or Aymeric Laporte. Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo have been immense on the flanks and it is surely not easy to score against this Manchester City side. The Citizens have conceded just six goals so far, boasting the second-best defense in the Premier League.
#2 Chelsea
Thomas Tuchel has drastically changed Chelsea from how they performed under Frank Lampard. The Blues look a compact and glued unit under the German manager.
After their UEFA Champions League triumph last season, Chelsea have carried on with their good form this season. The London club have been almost impenetrable and the perfect example for that would be their Premier League match against Liverpool. Even after going a man down, the Blues stayed resolute and secured a draw at Anfield.
So far, Chelsea have conceded just four goals this season, having the best defensive record in the league. They have conceded joint-least goals in Europe's top five leagues but end up second on this list behind Napoli, who are unbeaten in Serie A at the time of writing.
#1 Napoli
The Serie A table looks very surprising right now with Juventus ranked seventh, Napoli at the top and Milan after many years strongly challenging for the title. With such intense competition going on, Napoli have managed to do a great job.
Luciano Spalletti's side are yet to lose a game, one of the few sides left to do so in Europe's top five leagues. With experienced defenders like Kalidou Koulibaly, Mario Rui, Kostas Manolas, Juan Jesus and others, Napoli will be the team to beat in Serie A this season.
Having conceded only four goals this season, Napoli have the best defensive record in Europe's top five leagues so far. With their goals conceded per 90 minutes ratio being 0.33, their defense have to be applauded for the amazing work they have done.
