Marc-Andre ter Stegen did it again. He was crucial for Barcelona in the 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid on Sunday, with some very big saves.
His latest clean sheet takes his tally for the season to 23 in LaLiga Santander, equalling Claudio Bravo who held that record since the 2014/15 season.
The German international has conceded goals in just seven of the 30 games played. He has been beaten by: Real Sociedad, Real Madrid (in two games), Osasuna, Espanyol, Betis and Almeria: but in the other 23, he has thwarted everything that has come his way.
Against Atletico, he didn’t have too much work to do, but when he did, he dealt with it with the security and coolness that characterise him. He was outstanding in shots from Griezmann and Carrasco, especially. He was once again a wall.
Going for European record
Having surpassed Bravo’s tally, he now has it in his hands to make history in Europe as well. The 21st century record is held by Chelsea, who kept 25 clean sheets in the 2004/05 season. Manchester United and Atletico Madrid managed 24 in the 08/09 and 15/16 campaigns respectively.
Ter Stegen’s form is fundamental not only to understanding why Barcelona are the lowest-scoring team in LaLiga, having conceded just nine goals (two at Camp Nou), but also to justifying their lead at the top of the table: Real Madrid are 11 points behind.
If he maintains the high level he is showing, the German will become the goalkeeper to have conceded the fewest goals in LaLiga. Liano, in 93/94, and Oblak, in 15/16, only let in 18 goals in the 38-game season format while Ter Stegen has let in just nine in 30.