FC Barcelona are champions-elect. Even Real Madrid have effectively conceded the title following a string of lacklustre performances from the capital. All that remains is the theatre of the ‘Pasillo’ guard of honour or a full-blown title celebration when ‘El Clasico’ rolls around on 10 May. For Flick’s Barcelona, the only remaining rivals are their own past achievements and the historic benchmarks of La Liga.
The Blaugrana are currently posting numbers that eclipse those of the German’s debut campaign. The prospect of clinching the title with a superior record to last year is a distinct reality; with five matches remaining, they sit just one win away from equalling the 88 points that secured the trophy last term.
Flick’s side has already racked up 28 victories, matching their total from the 24-25 season. This puts them on the precipice of a historic milestone: the most wins in a single La Liga campaign. The current record of 32 wins—set by Real Madrid in 2011-12 and matched by Barcelona in 2012-13—could be surpassed if they take maximum points from their remaining fixtures.
With just four defeats to their name—two fewer than in those record-breaking years—Barcelona are well-placed to match the 100-point landmark shared by Tito Vilanova’s Barcelona (2012-13) and Mourinho’s Real Madrid (2011-12).
Their home form has been flawless, boasting a perfect record at their own ground so far. Only Real Madrid and Real Betis remain with the chance to tarnish that impeccable run. Furthermore, they are the division’s standout travellers, having picked up 34 points on the road—three more than Real Madrid.
Further challenges await. The most daunting involves matching last season’s haul of 102 goals; FC Barcelona would need to average three goals per game to reach it. While they have the firepower, the absence of Lamine and Raphinha through injury represents a significant blow to their attacking rhythm.
Bettering their defensive metrics seems a far more attainable goal. While Flick’s first Barcelona side conceded 39 goals, his current crop has shipped just 30. It would take a total collapse in the final weeks to fail to improve on that tally. Consequently, the +63 goal difference from last season is also under threat, with the current figure standing at +57.
The upcoming showdown on matchday 35 gains extra spice from the potential points gap the Catalans could establish. Their record winning margin in the Primera Division is 19 points, set in 2018-19. While that may be out of reach, eclipsing the 10-point lead established by Xavi in 2022-23 is highly probable. They could also target the podium of historic gaps: 15 points in 2012-13 and 17 points in 2017-18.
By contrast, the most recent significant chasm between the two rivals saw Real Madrid’s 2021-22 side finish 13 points clear of FC Barcelona.
SELON BESOCCER
