"Defending as a team is the key"

Despite their elimination against Manchester United in the Europa League, FC Barcelona can safely say that they are having a good season and that they have recovered the style of play that characterised them in recent years.

Under Xavi Hernandez, the 'Cule' team regained their identity, based on ball possession and quick attacks, and began to dominate matches from start to finish, just as they did in the Pep Guardiola era.

However, this azulgrana side pulled out a strength that was not very common in Barcelona's best years: defensive solidity. The 'Cules' stand out for not conceding so many dangerous chances.

Without going any further, the 'Cules' first-choice goalkeeper, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, wrote a message on his social networks in the run-up to the match against Valencia and told what is the secret that allows them to stand out from the rest.​

"Defending as a team, that's the key," said the German goalkeeper, who has conceded just eight goals in 23 La Liga matches to date, a record tally he will be looking to extend in the remaining games in their title bid.