The numbers behind Athletic’s defensive foundations

Marcelino’s Athletic Club is built on defence. The statistics at the start of LaLiga 2021-22 speak for themselves. The Lions have conceded just one goal and allowed only six shots on target in their first four games.

Above all other figures, the number of shots conceded stands out. Athletic hardly allow their opponents to create any dangerous chances, forcing the teams to “use all their skills and strengths to the full in order to hurt us,” according to Marcelino.

The statistics reflect the high level of concentration with which Marcelino’s men have started the season. Elche only managed two shots at goal, FC Barcelona had three, Celta none and Mallorca only registered one shot on target.

It is this that has led to Athletic being the team which has conceded fewest goals so far this season. In fact, only Sevilla FC, who have played one less game, are the Rojiblancos’ equals in this regard.

Historically, the few goals conceded by the Lions at this point in a campaign has only been matched on two other occasions this century. In 2017-18, Athletic let in their first goal of the season during a Matchday 4 loss to Las Palmas.

It was also achieved in 2019-20, with Gaizka Garitano’s Athletic conceding a goal in a draw against Getafe on Matchday 2, but keeping clean sheets in wins against FC Barcelona and Real Sociedad, and holding Mallorca to a goalless draw.

This Saturday, at 16:15 CEST, the Lions will face Atlético Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano. The aim is to maintain the defensive solidity and keep the current positive feelings going.