FCBARCELONA.CAT

14.09.2009 16:50

436 minutes without conceding

Marc Guillén

Since Óscar de Marcos scored in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup against FC Barcelona the Catalan outfit have not conceded a goal and Víctor Valdés has now not been beaten for 436 minutes.

While Barça are renowned for their offensive play, at the back the team also excels as they have managed four consecutive clean sheets. As well as the minutes since De Marcos' goal in that first official game, Pep Guardiola's side have beaten Athletic 3-0 in the second leg, won 1-0 against Shakhtar in the European Super Cup and beaten Sporting 3-0 and Getafe 0-2 in the league.

14 saves by Valdés

With Barça defending as a unit, teh constant pressure of all ten outfield players on the opposition means that other teams do not have many chances in games.

Valdés has had to be sharp though as he has made 14 saves in those matches. Against Athletic in Camp Nou he only had one save to make, while against Sporting de Gijón the keeper was called upon on five occasions.

Defensive priority

In the five official games that Barça have played they have scored 11 times and conceded once. The defensive strength has been vital for the team with Guardiola stating: "The defensive line is the most important to me."