Barcelona’s Performance in the current season have come as an astonishment to many sports pundit and analyst as the Blaugrana side is yet to test defeat in the premier division with 17 wins and three draws in 20 rounds of games. This same has also worked with Lionel Messi form with the Argentinenetting 19 goals and followed by teammate Suarez with 15 goals. Although Ernesto Valverde’s team finally tested defeat last week to an Espanyol side in an unusual match which saw them lose for the first time since the Super-copa series against Real Madrid back in August. Barcelona being favorites to win Espanyol where stunned by the host after series of missed opportunities including Lionel Messi miss from the Spot.
Barcelona will definitely have their pound of flesh when the Espanyol comes to the Camp nou with the Barca boss not overly concerned with the outcome of the first leg. Valverde is likely to field his strongest squad when Barcelona face Chelsea at the knockout stages of the champion’s league after securing 4 wins and 4 draws in the group stages.In 2012-13, Barca where near flawless with 55 points after 19 league games under Tito Vilanova with a mouthwatering 18 victories and a single draw (2-2 at home to Real Madrid).
However, they did go on to lose twice in La Liga that season – a 3-2 loss at Anoeta against Real Sociedad in round 20 and a 2-1 to Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu few weeks later. Despite the Losses, Barcelona went on to clinch the title with their highest points as the Blaugrana side equaled Real Madrid record despite the absence of their trainer Tito Vilanova who was out for Cancer treatment during that time.
The Club came close to achieving the feat under Guardiola in 2009-2010 season as Barca won with 99 points, the sole defeat coming away game at Vicente Calderon Atletico Madrid defeated the Barcelona side by 2-1 in the 22nd round of matches (in February). There were also 31 wins and six draws en route to what was a record total at the time. This season has seen Barcelona secure favorable results at Santiago Bernabeu, Vicente Calderon and la Mestalla have left Football pundits and analyst to the Conclusion that Barcelona might equal the record of the Arsenal 2004 invincibles in going unbeaten in the modern era of football.
SOURCE: Goal.com