Last year’s La Liga and Premier League runners up have made things tricky for themselves so far this year, coming from behind to win ten matches between them.
When it comes to famous comebacks, the Manchester United side of the 1999 treble have things sewn up. Not only was there the 2-1 victory in the Champions League final, in total that season Ferguson’s men won 15 of their 59 matches coming from behind. This year Manchester United might just emulate that kind of statistic, and so could Barcelona.
Feruguson’s current side have already won six of their twelve games having been a goal behind, most recently in the 3-2 win over Braga where they slipped two goals down before fighting back. Barcelona have won four of their eleven league and Champions League games from losing positions, and also came from behind to draw with Real Madrid in the recent Clasico at the Camp Nou.
Both sides have been criticised for leaky defences, and the requirement to keep coming from behind is viewed as something inherently negative. However I would say that the fight shown in these matches demonstrates a confidence around the two sides that will stand them in good stead for the season. Many teams buckle when going behind, and this can be crucial in important matches. Barcelona and Manchester United have already shown to themselves and everyone else that they can get back into matches regardless of the situation.
The Red Devils’ opponents this weekend know this only too well. Chelsea let slip a 3-0 lead over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge last year to draw 3-3. With that in mind, along with United’s record of comebacks this season, Ferguson’s side must have a small psychological advantage going into the match. When teams go up against United or Barcelona, the usual positive effects of a lead must be negated somewhat by the knowledge that the team you face are comfortable coming back to win that kind of match.
I would always say that an inability to score goals is a bigger problem than a propensity to concede them. Barcelona and Manchester United may well tighten up their defences over the next few matches, and they can do this from a position where they know they can score the goals required to win matches no matter how leaky at the back they are. Coming back to win so many games may indicate they are starting matches slowly, but it also shows a desire to win that outweighs these potential negatives, just look at 1999.
image: © birdies perch
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