FC Barcelona has found a new way to dominate their opponents, and it’s not just their mesmerizing possession football. This season, the Catalans have mastered the art of set pieces, converting them into goals with alarming regularity. In their recent 3-0 thrashing of Real Sociedad, Barcelona showcased their new strength, with two goals coming from set pieces.
The game was all but over when Aritz Elustondo was sent off in the 17th minute, and Barcelona capitalized on the numerical advantage. Gerard Martin opened the scoring with a beautifully timed header from a Dani Olmo cross, before debutant Marc Casado made it 2-0 with a neat finish from close range. Ronald Araujo sealed the win with a powerful header from a corner kick in the second half.
This tactical switch has not gone unnoticed by Spanish media, who have dubbed Barcelona’s set pieces as their „new weapon.” According to experts from „AS,” Barcelona has scored an astonishing 22 goals from set pieces this season, with eight coming from penalties, eight from corners, five from free kicks, and one from a direct free kick.
This is a significant departure from Barcelona’s traditional style, which has often relied on individual brilliance and flair. However, under Hansi Flick, the team has adopted a more pragmatic approach, recognizing the importance of set pieces in modern football. As „AS” pointed out, even Pep Guardiola and Xavi Hernandez, two of Barcelona’s most iconic figures, have emphasized the importance of set pieces in their coaching philosophies.
The numbers are staggering. In their last two games, Barcelona has scored three goals from corner kicks alone. This newfound proficiency has allowed them to maintain their lead at the top of the La Liga table, with a one-point advantage over second-placed Atletico Madrid and three points clear of third-placed Real Madrid.
Barcelona’s set piece mastery is not just a passing fad. It’s a deliberate tactical decision, honed through rigorous training and analysis. Flick’s team has identified the vulnerabilities of their opponents and is exploiting them ruthlessly.
As Barcelona prepares to face Benfica Lisbon in the Champions League round of 16, their set piece expertise will be crucial in breaking down the Portuguese team’s defense. With Robert Lewandowski, one of the most prolific strikers in the world, leading the line, Barcelona’s opponents will need to be extremely vigilant to prevent conceding from set pieces.
Will Barcelona’s new weapon continue to yield dividends? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – the Catalans are a force to be reckoned with, and their opponents will need to find a way to counter their potent set piece threat.
