Barcelona are having their worst start to a season for 18 years
The Catalans lost 1-0 at Real Betis and have 23 points from the first 16 game weeks
Barcelona are having a worrying season. They only have 23 points from 16 game weeks (one of which is postponed to play before Christmas, against Sevilla). The worst they have achieved since 2002-03, 18 years ago.
On that occasion Barcelona played week 16 in January 2003, with 22 points after beating Recreativo Huelva. The team had Louis van Gaal at the wheel but he was sacked and Radomir Antic came in to get to sixth place and UEFA Cup qualification. Barcelona saved the ‘match ball’ of not being in Europe for the first time in their history.
The next season was not much better. Frank Rijkaard’s side had 23 points after 16 weeks, but ended up turning it around to come second, with Valencia winning the title.
Xavi’s Barcelona will need to go on a similar kind of run if they want to be in Europe next season.
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