Barcelona’s lethal scoring form has faded and two familiar faces might be the cure | OneFootball

It is no secret that Barcelona have played some of the best attacking and enjoyable football in Europe this season under Hansi Flick.

The German’s management has turned the squad into one of the most dangerous in front of goal.

With 147 goals scored across all competitions in only 50 matches, they have averaged an impressive 2.94 goals per match.

The numbers talk for themselves—84 goals in 31 La Liga matches, 37 in 12 Champions League games, 19 goals from just five Copa del Rey fixtures, and another seven across the two games in the Spanish Super Cup.

However, their recent performances have shown a surprising and concerning dip in their scoring efficiency. While Barcelona are certainly creating chances, the goals have dried up.

If there was one game that stood out recently, it was their 4-0 win over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League quarterfinal first leg. Apart from that victory, the team has scored just four goals in their other four matches.

This means their current goal-scoring average has fallen to just 1.6 goals per game in the last five matches.

A worrying pattern ahead of decisive matches

Raphinha hasn’t been among the goals a lot recently. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images)

April has not been kind to Barcelona’s pursuit. The month started with a narrow win over Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey, accompanied by a frustrating 1-1 draw against Real Betis in La Liga.

Then came the dominant win over Dortmund, which gave the impression of a turning factor, but things went downhill quickly after.

A narrow win over Leganes came only because of an own goal, and then the return leg against Dortmund.

It is also worth noting that key players like Raphinha have not been among the goals. In fact, he hasn’t scored in La Liga since early February, which only adds to the concerns.

The timing of this dip in form could not be worse. The most essential part of the season is around the corner, as Barcelona face Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final and will also face Inter Milan in the semi-finals of the Champions League.

At the same time, the La Liga title is still very much in play. With Real Madrid already out of European competition, they will likely be focusing all their energy on the league. Barcelona simply cannot afford to lose momentum now.

Dani Olmo’s return could be a game-changer

Dani Olmo will be key for Barcelona. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

One bit of good news for Hansi Flick is the return of Dani Olmo. The Spanish midfielder has been missed, and his return comes at an ideal time, as he can add the much-needed power and sharpness in the final third.

He links well with the rest of the front line and could bring back the rhythm that seems to have gone missing in recent matches.

Olmo’s presence will even allow Flick to rotate his squad with much relaxation. With so many matches coming up, keeping players fresh is going to be key.

At this moment, Barcelona cannot afford to be quiet, and Olmo’s ability to operate between the lines and unlock defences could prove crucial in the coming weeks.