A closer examination of the latest figures supports the widespread acclaim received by PSG and Barcelona.
Since the beginning of last season, Barcelona and PSG have averaged 2.56 and 2.22 expected goals (xG) per league game respectively, placing them second and third among clubs in Europe’s five leading leagues. Bayern are the only side ahead of them, with 3.06.
Over the same period, Barcelona also sit second in both total goals and goals per match, while PSG occupy sixth and fifth place in those categories.
It is worth noting, however, that PSG have contested fewer league fixtures than Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Manchester City, all of whom also feature prominently in those rankings.
The strength of PSG’s squad has enabled them to rotate heavily in Ligue 1 without sacrificing positive results.
They demonstrated that depth on Saturday by defeating Strasbourg 3-1 after changing eight players from the side that secured a 4-2 Champions League victory three days earlier.
European football journalist Raphael Honigstein said the team had earned the opportunity to give key players a rest.
Barcelona have strengthened their squad as well, giving the team considerably more attacking power this season.
They have scored at least three times in 10 of their 11 matches across all competitions this campaign, including six occasions on which they netted five goals or more.
Spanish football reporter Elizabeth Conway identified the greater squad depth as the clearest improvement, highlighting the impact of high-quality additions such as Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi.
She added that their speed and direct approach have transformed the attack, while Gabriel Jesus has supplied another valuable option in the forward line.
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