Barcelona’s defense destroyed in 4-0 Supercopa de Espana loss vs Athletic

 

Barcelona have conceded as many as eight goals in their last two games. What’s wrong with their defense?

Just when football fans and the media started praising Luis Enrique for his excellent achievements at Barcelona, things have taken a twist. The Catalans won a purely entertaining nine-goal thriller against Sevilla in the UEFA Super Cup in midweek. In that match, the team’s backline escaped the wrath of Blaugrana fans as Lionel Messi netted an amazing free-kick brace before Pedro Rodriguez’s extra-time winner.

On Friday, it was different as the visitors failed to reply to any of the goals.

Facts linked to Barcelona's 4-0 loss

Lionel Messi, whose record against Athletic Bilbao stood at 11 goals in the last 11 games before the Spanish Super Cup’s first leg match, was the only Barcelona player to make a shot in the first half. Mikel San Jose’s outrageous 47.57m-long range goal apparently unsettled Ter Stegen and his team mates.

Messi looking frustrated after the final whistle
 

In the second period, Aduriz stole the show with an unpredicted trio of goals. First, he grabbed a brace within nine minutes. Dani Alves then conceded a penalty and the referee did not miss the incident.

Through the pouring rain at San Mames, Aduriz completed his hat-trick – much to the disbelief of Barcelona’s bench, players on the field and traveling fans in the stands.


Instant hero. This is Aduriz!