Not only did this setback leave them behind in La Liga, but it also contributed to a series of worrying statistics.
Before the match, many had pointed out that despite the differences in narratives between their two seasons, Xavi Hernandez and Hansi Flick had both taken 38 points in their first 18 games – with Xavi having won his 19th. This is also the first time that Barcelona has lost three home games in a row.
Flick, this is worrying
Flick has already lost five more La Liga games than Xavi all last season, but the Blaugrana are in the worst run of form in all of La Liga, with just one win and five points from their last seven games.
As MD points out, these defeats also cost Flick comparisons with technicians other than Xavi. They say Flick’s five losses in 19 games represent a 26.3% loss rate. He compares poorly to Xavi (15%), Ronald Koeman (21%) and Quique Setien (16%).
