A brilliant start to 2023

Xavi Hernández's team are in great form at the moment and you only have to look at the league table to see evidence of their excellent recent with the blaugranes having an eight point advantage over second placed Real Madrid. That is not the only statistic that proves that FC Barcelona are having a 2023 to remember. Let's take a look at some of the figures from Barça's start to the year in the league and other competitions. 

Only one goal conceded in the league 

Barça's defensive stats are the ones that stand out so far this year. In seven games in La Liga in 2023, the blaugranes have conceded just one goal. In Europe's top five leagues only Napoli, Real Madrid, Brentford, Atlético Madrid and Fulham come close having all conceded three goals in the year so far in the league. 

The blaugranes have kept a clean sheet in six of seven league game in the calendar year, the same number as French club Nantes. In all competitions Barça have kept eight clean sheets in 13 matches, the same number as the Ligue 1 side. 

Over the whole season Barça also lead the way defensively with just seven goals conceded in la Liga, some way ahead of their nearest competitors Newcastle United and Napoli who have both conceded 15 goals. 

At the other end of the pitch, Xavi's side have scored 28 goals in just 13 goals, an average of 2.15 goals per game and not far off 2023 leaders Manchester United who have scored 33 goals having played a game more. 

100% record in 2023

In 2023 Barça have won all seven of their La Liga fixtures, the same total as a Napoli side who began the year with a defeat against Internazionale. No other team in has won more matches than Barça with 11 wins in 13 matches, the only fixture they have not won over 90 minutes were the recent 2-2 draw with Manchester United and 2-2 draw with Betis in the semi final of the Spanish Super Cup which the blaugranes eventually won on penalties. 

Barça have picked up most points in the league, along with Italians Napoli, with a total of 21 points. Both sides are clear leaders in their respective league championships with the Serie A side 15 points clear of second placed Internazionale and the blaugranes eight points ahead of nearest rivals Real Madrid.