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FC Barcelona made history last season when they secured an unprecedented second treble. The Catalan giants won the La Liga, Copa del Rey and the UEFA Champions League, sweeping past every opposition team in style.That said, their season did not start very well as they had to endure difficulties with Luis Suarez not being available and Real Madrid being on top of their game. However, by the time the season reached its business end, the Catalan giants were firing on all cylinders.Here is a list of what we think were the five biggest factors that helped Barcelona forge a historic and memorable campaign in 2015:
#1 Solid defence
Barcelona’s defence was a beacon of strength throughout last season. They kept the opposition at bay in most matches, with Gerard Pique being a standout performer.
The Catalan club’s defensive line-up had always been susceptible to set-pieces, but last season they converted their weakness into a strong point. They conceded just twice from dead-ball situations and let in a total of only 38 goals in 60 matches, a great improvement from previous seasons.
#2 Messi-Suarez-Neymar
The trio of Messi, Suarez and Neymar gave ample evidence of why they are considered the best attacking unit in the world. They scored a combined total of 122 goals and dismantled every opposition they faced.
Their bold attacking play saw them break the Spanish record of 118 goals scored by Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gonzalo Higuain in 2011/12. Messi scored 58 goals, while Neymar and Suarez scored 39 and 25 goals respectively.
#3 Messi and Enrique overcoming their differences
In an away game against Real Sociedad, the Argentine forward was benched by Luis Enrique and was brought on only later.
The Blaugrana lost the match against David Moyes’ side and rumours of a rift between Messi and Enrique started doing the rounds. Messi was even accused of demanding Enrique’s resignation.
But the Argentine denied these reports and declared that everything was good with the manager. The willingness of the superstar and the manager to work out their differences made it clear that the team was working hard to try and win every competition.
#4 Directness in approach
The 4-3-3 formation used by Luis Enrique worked wonders for Barca, as it brought a more fluid and direct approach to their game. It also gave the full-backs a real opportunity to go forward.
Changing from a possession-based system to one that used the counter-attack as a lethal weapon also helped tremendously. Barcelona destroyed opposition defences through Suarez’s unselfish running, Neymar’s directness and Messi’s guile.
#5 Focus on hydration and nutrition
Gatorade and Gatorade Sports Science Institute (GSSI), through their unparalleled partnership with FC Barcelona, worked side-by-side with FCB’s training staff to test the first-team by measuring sweat rates, sweat composition and to determine how individual players’ burn fat vs. carbohydrate to produce electrolyte intake and fluid recommendations.
Following these tests, GSSI was able to provide individualized hydration and fuelling plans to the club’s top stars, including Lionel Messi, to ensure peak performance every time they step onto the pitch.
