First-half woes - Barcelona have conceded 17 goals before half-time in 19 games | Barca Universal

"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."

"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."

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

FC Barcelona sit atop the La Liga table after a 3-1 win over Deportivo Alaves but displayed an unconvincing performance at the Spotify Camp Nou. The team conceded within 43 seconds against Alaves and relied on Joan Garcia for crucial saves to protect the lead. Defensive struggles are concentrated in the first half, with 17 of 26 goals conceded this season coming before half-time and nine of 14 league matches seeing first-half goals. The run included repeated first-half concessions between Matchdays 6 and 12 and similar early goals in Champions League fixtures. Hansi Flick must address early-match lapses to stabilize results.

Read at Barca Universal