Barcelona head into their decisive clash against Atletico Madrid knowing that they cannot hold back.
With a 0-2 deficit to overturn, the approach must be to attack, create, and score.
While the mountain is too big to climb for the players, Barcelona’s attacking numbers this season remain among the strongest in Europe, giving Hansi Flick genuine reason to believe a comeback is possible.
Positive statistics
In the UEFA Champions League, Barcelona have scored 30 goals in 11 matches, averaging 2.72 goals per game.
Even more telling is that they failed to score in two of those fixtures, yet still maintain such a high average, which is a clear indication of their explosive attacking potential when they find rhythm.
Across all competitions, the numbers are just as strong.
Barcelona have scored 131 goals this season, with an average of 2.67 per match.
Away from home, where the second leg will be decided, they have netted 55 goals in 24 matches (excluding the Spanish Super Cup), maintaining a solid average of 2.29.
Barcelona have enough power to get past Atletico Madrid. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
These figures suggest they have the firepower required to challenge Atletico at the Metropolitano.
Several scorers
One of Barcelona’s biggest strengths is the spread of goals across the squad.
As many as nine different players have contributed in Europe, namely Marcus Rashford, Ferran Torres, Fermin Lopez, Lamine Yamal, Jules Kounde, Dani Olmo, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Marc Bernal.
Furthermore, the creativity behind those numbers is just as impressive.
Simply put, Barcelona have produced 548 attacking sequences in 11 Champions League matches, and 167 have come in high-danger areas.
That volume of chances is crucial, as against a defensively strong Atletico side, opportunities may be limited.
However, Barcelona’s track record suggests they will generate enough to stay in the tie.
