First-half woes – Barcelona have conceded 17 goals before half-time in 19 games

FC Barcelona sit atop the La Liga table following their 3-1 win over Deportivo Alaves this past weekend, as Real Madrid dropped points for a third consecutive game.

However, the performance on Saturday evening at the Spotify Camp Nou was not entirely convincing, with manager Hansi Flick making it clear after the match.

Barça’s defensive problems continue to be a concern as they conceded a goal within a minute after kickoff and had Joan Garcia to thank for protecting their lead with some crucial stops throughout the game.

First half struggles

As highlighted by Mundo Deportivo, Flick’s Barcelona continues to struggle to keep a clean sheet in the opening 45 minutes. 17 of the 26 goals they have conceded this season have come before half-time.

The most recent came just 43 seconds into the match against Alaves in the latest LaLiga round. Of the 14 league matches played, Barcelona conceded in the first 45 minutes in nine of them.

Another striking detail: of the 16 goals conceded in the league, 13 came in this period.

Barcelona have given away way too many goals in the first half. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Defensive issues are one of Flick’s main concerns. He has repeatedly urged his players to avoid early goals and to stay fully alert from kick-off, and that is something the team has been unable to do consistently enough this term.

On Matchday 2, Levante scored twice against Barça in the first period. Then, from Matchday 6 to Matchday 12, the team conceded in the first half in every league game.

Real Oviedo, Real Sociedad, Sevilla (twice), Girona, Real Madrid (twice), Elche, and Celta Vigo (twice) all put Barcelona under pressure with goals in the first period.

There was a pause in Matchday 13, before the trend returned in Matchday 14 against Alaves.

As for the UEFA Champions League, Barcelona conceded once in the first half against PSG and Chelsea, while Club Brugge managed to net twice in the opening 45 minutes.

It is something that Flick will need to work on addressing if Barcelona are to return to their best version this season.