Spanish La Liga giants Barcelona signed off for 2015 by breaking Real Madrid’s record for most goals scored in a calendar year. A recent 4-0 win against Real Betis saw the Catalans go two goals clear of Real’s 178 goals set in 2014, capping a fantastic year in the process. Currently top of the table and having sealed five trophies this year, Barcelona could hardly wish for a better 12 months.
Manager Luis Enrique has transformed the side since his appointment, and has the best strikeforce in Europe firing on all cyclinders. Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez both contributed 48 goals each of Barca’s tally of 180, while Neymar scored 41 times. It meant the trio of attackers made up 75% of the overall tally, further highlighting just how impressive they have all been on a consistent basis.
Barcelona’s goalscorers in 2015
Lionel Messi (48), Luis Suarez (48), Neymar (41), Ivan Rakitic (7), Pedro Rodriguez & Gerard Pique (5), own goals (4), Sandro Ramirez & Jeremy Mathieu (3), Rafinha Alcantara & Munir & Sergi Roberto & Andres Iniesta & Adriano & Marc Bartra (2), Thomas Vermaelen & Xavi & Dani Alves & Jordi Alba (1).
The Spanish club won the Spanish La Liga title, Spanish Copa Del Rey and Champions League, while adding two further pieces of domestic and European silverware, and are now setting new records for goals. It will deservedly see the squad named as one of the greatest in history, and the chief contributors to the impressive goal tally are surely among the best the game has ever seen?
Manager Luis Enrique isn’t content to rest on any laurels, however, and is planning even more success to come in 2016. Following the Real Betis victory, he said: “As far as intensity, we continued as we have done throughout the year, which is the best message we can send the fans heading into 2016. (It’s been) a very good year. I’d give it a nine. But everything can be improved.”
£Everyone can get better. The players, the coaches, and all the people that form part of this Club. There is very little difference between Europe’s big clubs and we have to keep working hard,” Enrique added. Barcelona have hardly suffered following the departure of long-serving influences in the side, and instead continue to improve years after year. No side has retained the Champions League since its’ name inception, but 2016 could be an incredible year for the Catalans given what they’ve displayed this time round.
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