The reason Barcelona are where they are
Even though the headlines are usually reserved for those that score goals, the key to Barcelona's situation is found in defence. Only on two occasions in the history have they conceded less goals than now. Terry Venables' side in 1987-88 conceded just nine goals through 22 games and Michels' side in 1972-72 had conceded 10 after the same amount of league fixtures.
Ernesto Valverde's Barcelona has managed to build a wall in defence. The Catalans have only conceded 11 goals and to find a league leader with a better record you have to go back to 1993-94 and Deportivo La Coruna (9). The reasons are obvious: a goalkeeper in exceptional form, Pique back in form, a defensive system which has nothing to do with last season's, for example they conceded four goals in Paris and three in Turin... The changes made by Valverde have improved the security in defence and, step by step, the attack isn't depending on Lionel Messi as much.
Valverde's Barça is at the same level as Pep Guardiola's side in the 2010-11 season. They're numbers which have helped the club take a significant step towards winning the title, but one piece of data shouldn't be overlooked: Diego Simeone's Atletico have conceded just nine goals, two less thant Barça, in a game more.
