FC Barcelona have suffered two consecutive defeats for the second time this season: according to the text, it happened early in October (1-2 vs PSG and 4-1 vs Sevilla) and now again against Atlético (4-0) and Girona (2-1). The side is feeling the lack of efficiency from its central forwards, Ferran Torres and Robert Lewandowski.
Although the team shows collective scoring (up to six players have surpassed ten goals this season), attention falls on the two No. 9s when goals are scarce. In Barcelona’s last four matches (Girona, Atlético, Mallorca and Albacete) only one of the six goals came from a centre-forward — Lewandowski against Mallorca. Other scorers were Lamine Yamal (twice), Araujo, Marc Bernal and Cubarsí.
The two forwards have managed only four shots on target between them in those four games. Against Girona neither Ferran nor Lewandowski had a shot on target; the Polish striker did not manage one against Atlético, and Ferran did not have one against Mallorca.
Ferran’s season overall is productive: he has 16 goals and is the team’s top scorer, ahead of Lamine Yamal (15), Lewandowski and Raphinha (13). Last year he scored 19, so he is close to matching his best mark. Yet his form has dipped in the second part of the season: in the last 14 matches he has only three goals (Athletic Club in the Super Cup semi, Racing de Santander and Elche), compared with 13 goals in 19 games in the first part. In the Elche match he scored but missed five clear chances from eight shots (three on target and two that hit the woodwork).
Conclusion: Barcelona leans on collective attacking work, but needs the best version of both centre-forwards for the decisive stage of the season.
