PSG and Barcelona Rank High in European Attacking Statistics
Expected Goals And Squad Depth Propel Paris Saint-Germain And Barcelona
Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona stand second and third in expected goals per league match across Europe’s top five leagues since last season. Bayern Munich lead that metric with an expected goals mark of 3.06 per match, while Barcelona register 2.56 and Paris Saint-Germain record 2.22. Barcelona also hold second place for total goals scored and goals scored per match over the same timeframe, whereas Paris Saint-Germain rank sixth and fifth respectively in those categories.
PSG Uses Squad Depth to Maintain Domestic Results
Paris Saint-Germain have played fewer league matches than Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, and Manchester City. Their squad depth permits frequent wholesale changes in Ligue 1 fixtures while preserving positive outcomes. On Saturday, Paris Saint-Germain defeated Strasbourg 3-1 despite making eight alterations to the starting lineup that had beaten opponents 4-2 in the Champions League three days prior. “They’ve earned the right to rest their players,” European football journalist Raphael Honigstein stated.
New Signings Increase Barcelona Attacking Output
Barcelona have similarly expanded their squad depth, translating to heightened attacking output during the current campaign. In 10 of their 11 matches across all competitions, Barcelona have netted three or more goals, reaching five or more goals in six of those fixtures. “The biggest and most obvious difference is the squad depth that they’ve added through some brilliant signings in the likes of Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi,” BBC Sport Spanish football reporter Elizabeth Conway said. Conway added that the new arrivals brought pace and directness, while Gabriel Jesus provided an alternative option up front.