Barcelona v Arsenal: passing statistics
No surprises for guessing that Barcelona again saw more of the ball in the game at the Nou Camp – it’s doubtful any side will visit there this season and see more possession.
Indeed, the Barcelona victory in terms of ‘passes completed’ was less marked than in the first leg at the Emirates. Arsenal’s most successful passer in that game was Denilson, despite the fact he didn’t even play the entire game.
In this second leg, Bacary Sagna was near the top of the list – a result of Barcelona playing a lopsided shape with no ‘true’ left-winger, meaning Sagna was constantly the ‘free’ man. The right-sided centre-back, Thomas Vermaelen, is not far behind.
But again, the graph makes for amazing reading because of Xavi’s sheer dominance. To complete 41 more passes than any other player on the pitch is absolutely incredible.
Over the two legs he completed 65 more passes than any other player.
Stats from UEFA.com
Barcelona v Arsenal: passing statistics
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This post was mentioned on Twitter by Zonal_Marking: Barcelona 4-1 Arsenal, passing statistics: http://bit.ly/dnrEIP Pretty incredible graph……
Xavi’s passing is just immense. If you’ve ever seen him give the ball away then there must be a blue moon.
Keeping the ball is the the most fundamental thing in football. Keep it well and you’ll not only probably score but deprive the opposition of the ball. Result? They can’t score, they chase and tire, lose confidence and fear the team who keep the ball.
This is why Liverpool miss Alonso so much. I’m not criticising Rafa, just stating an observation.
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Interesting stat in today’s L’Equipe. In the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Lyon, Bordeaux’s central midfield trio of Fernando, Jaroslav Plasil and Yoann Gourcuff received 96 passes and made 89 passes between them. In the first leg against Arsenal, Xavi received 91 passes and made 95 passes on his own.
I thought Barca were there for the taking…if Diaby had played in Walcott we would have seen a different game. Barca were never really a threat to Arsenal. It was only Messi and his ridiculous finishing.
Barca Looked to be there for the taking,
but they were just pacing themselves more,
cos they didnt want to burn themselves out
like Leg 1.
They knew that Arsenal couldnt build
anything against them anyway, so why overdo it?
Yes, Messi had an amazing night, but there was at least
buildup and pressure from the rest, at least for the 1st
3 goals anyway
Great site for someone who wana learn coaching. tnx zonal marking
Editors of Zonal Marking,
This is a truly remarkable stat created by Xavi. Could you tell me whether Xavi had a 100% pass completion rate during the game. I cant remember him losing possession or misplacing a pass. If he made 105 of 105 it would be truly amazing. Also viva MESSI!!!
There was one cross-field ball he played to Abidal or Keita which resulted in an aerial challenge with Sagna from which there was no clear winner, but other than that I’m struggling to remember another instance of him surrendering possession.
No, apparently it was 95 out of 105 passes he attempted. I can’t remember it being anything like 10 – but it’s UEFA’s stats…
Thanks for that, had a look on the UEFA website and i couldnt find the stats. Still a 90% pass completion is amazing. He’s very consistent too, I’ve watched Barca alot this season and every time his ball retention and passing are unrivaled. If someone could get stats for the whole season i bet he’s not far off 85-90% total. Also some of his through balls are spectacular. A few weeks back not sure who it was against, through ball round the back of the left back to Alves to square to Messi for the winner in the last few minutes, incredible
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Xavi is simply unbelievable.
Xavi’s through balls in the El Clasico were simply magnificent.
One pattern that sticks out for me is that the top Arsenal passers were the main back four of Sagna, Vermaelen, Silvestre, Clichy.
Just goes to show how Barcelona’s pressing game really prevented Arsenal passing any further than across the back four.
The interesting stat for me is Vlades 27 vs. Almunia’s 12. Wenger wants Arsenal to build from the back, but how do that if the keeper gives it away?