By Ben Hayward
Luis Enrique's side lost 4-1 on their trip to Celta Vigo earlier this season, but have tightened up at the back and lost only once in 32 games since the defeat at Balaidos.
They were troubling times for Barcelona. The 4-1 defeat at Celta Vigo in September saw the Catalans concede four for the third time in 2015-16 and just three days later, Lionel Messi suffered an injury against Las Palmas that would keep him out for close to two months.
With their defence all at sea and their finest footballer sidelined, the signs were anything but positive for the treble winners heading into October. Instead, however, Luis Enrique's side have thrived since the defeat at Balaidos.
The Asturian coach had warned his players of the threat posed by his former side heading into the match in Vigo, but Barca were unable to do anything about it as Nolito ran riot in an impressive collective performance from the Galician outfit.
Luis Enrique picked a strong side, but was without Cluadio Bravo and Jordi Alba through injury. In the Chilean's absence, Marc Andre ter Stegen struggled as he had on several occasions early in the campaign, the German goalkeeper's positioning questionable on two of the goals. And at left-back, Jeremy Mathieu was given a torrid time.
The Barca defence had let in four in the Uefa Super Cup against Sevilla (a 5-4 win) and then again in the Spanish Supercopa at Athletic Bilbao (a 4-0 loss). And in this game, both Gerard Pique and Javier Mascherano made mistakes, while Dani Alves had one of those nights when nothing goes right for him.
The first and second goals came in quick succession (in the 25th and 29th minutes) and appeared to knock the stuffing out of a fragile Barca. And in attack, Neymar (who scored a late consolation) was still short of full fitness after a bout of mumps that saw his pre-season preparations put back, while Luis Suarez was marked out of the game and even Messi's influence was limited by Celta's intense side.
Their reaction since then, however, has been exemplary. Even with Messi sidelined, Barca hardly looked back and after losing 2-1 at Sevilla in early October (when they hit the woodwork four times and also saw the ball roll right across the goal line), they have gone 29 games without losing - a new club record.
Bravo's return helped restore some calm at the back with Ter Stegen much improved after a break that he seemed to need to regain his focus and his confidence. And the defence has not had another disastrous day like that ever since.
Further forward, Neymar and Suarez played themselves into form while Messi was on the sidelines and the pair seemed to relish the added responsibility of standing in for the Argentine attacker. Since the 28-year-old returned in late November in the 4-0 Clasico win at Real Madrid, the three have been in blistering form.
Up to and including the Celta game, Barca had conceded 17 goals in just nine fixtures, scoring 16 in five wins (one after extra time), two draws and two defeats. It was a far cry from the form that saw them claim the treble in such spectacular style last season.
Nevertheless, they have been brilliant since losing at Celta. In 32 games overall, the Catalans have lost only one, won 25 and drawn five. They have also scored an impressive 92 goals and conceded just 17.
Not that Luis Enrique will be taking anything for granted ahead of Sunday night's Camp Nou clash though - particularly as his team lost this fixture last season in a shock 1-0 defeat to Toto Berizzo's side.
"They are a dangerous opponent," he said on Saturday. "They are bold and brave, dominating all facets of the game and they are attractive to watch. They play with intensity, leave little space [for the opponent] and move the ball quickly. They are good both in attack and defence."
This time, however, Barca are at home and even though they were unable to sign Nolito from Celta in the winter window, the champions have improved almost beyond recognition since the 4-1 loss in September.
And just over four months on, it looks like the defeat at Balaidos was very much the turning point this season for Luis Enrique's side. Now they will look to ensure there isn't another one on Sunday.
Credit: Goal News
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