Are Barcelona the Spanish Liverpool? Given the presence of ex-Reds Suarez and Mascherano and the rumours of the Blaugrana moving for Philippe Coutinho, one would say yes. And here is another stat which makes Luis Enrique’s side look like the Spanish Liverpool- all of Barca’s four league defeats have come against teams OUTSIDE the top 9.
The Blaugrana, as mentioned above, have suffered four defeats in the league this season (including this weekend’s reverse at Malaga). Three of those games have been away from home (Celta Vigo, Deportivo La Coruna and Malaga), and one at the Nou Camp (Deportivo Alaves)
Liverpool, like Barca, have a flawless record against the remaining members of the top six this season, but seem to have issues beating supposedly “lower” opponents.
The common factor in these Barca defeats?
It’s the much maligned Andre Gomes, who was a starter in all three away defeats (Celta, Depor and Malaga).
The game against Alaves at home saw Enrique feature a virtual B side (with Rakitic and Neymar the only regulars starting), and pay for it as they went down 2-1.