While Barcelona have often been criticised for their defensive weaknesses under Hansi Flick, the German has usually relied on the team’s attacking power to balance things out.
Barcelona’s high-energy attacking system has often compensated for the problems at the back, producing goals even in difficult matches.
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However, recent performances suggest that this attacking edge may be starting to fade, especially from those who have shouldered the responsibilities in the past.
Over the last few weeks, the numbers show a clear drop in productivity from two of Barcelona’s most important forwards.
The only consistent bright spot in attack has been Lamine Yamal, who recently reached an impressive milestone when he scored his 20th goal of the season with a penalty against Newcastle United.
Beyond Yamal’s contributions, Barcelona’s attack has lacked the sharpness that defined their play last season.
Raphinha and Lewandowski struggling for rhythm
One of the players facing difficulties is Raphinha.
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The Brazilian forward has endured a challenging season both in terms of fitness and scoring return.
Since returning from his most recent injury, the winger has struggled to regain his precision in front of goal.
Raphinha and Lewandowski have struggled for consistency. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
In fact, across the last six matches since his comeback, Raphinha has managed to score only once, and that goal came from the penalty spot.
The situation is similar for Robert Lewandowski, who returned to the starting lineup in the recent Champions League clash against Newcastle.
Over the past month, Lewandowski has scored only once, and that goal came in Barcelona’s comfortable 4-1 win against Villarreal.
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The obvious perspective
This slowdown becomes even more striking when compared to last season’s numbers.
At the same stage of the La Liga campaign last year, Lewandowski had already scored 22 league goals. This season, after matchday 27, he has managed just 11.
Raphinha, on his part, has scored eight goals in La Liga this season, which is noticeably lower than the 13 goals he had already recorded at the same stage in the 2024/25 season.
The decline becomes even clearer in Europe. Last season, Raphinha was Barcelona’s top scorer in the UEFA Champions League, scoring nine goals before the round of 16. This year, he has managed only one.
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Overall, the contrast between seasons is difficult to ignore. At the equivalent point in the 2024/25 campaign, Lewandowski and Raphinha had combined for nearly 60 goals across competitions.
This season, the pair have produced just 26 goals at the same stage.