FC Barcelona 2017–18 Season Review
The 2017–18 campaign for FC Barcelona was a period of high-scoring dominance and significant financial movement. Under the presidency of Josep Maria Bartomeu, the club continued to showcase its attacking prowess, driven largely by the extraordinary form of Lionel Messi.
From the early friendly matches in the United States to the high-stakes clashes of La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, the season was defined by a blend of veteran leadership and new acquisitions. The team's ability to secure massive victories, including a notable 5–0 win over Leganés in the Copa del Rey, highlighted their clinical nature in front of goal.
Key Facts
- Top Scorer: Lionel Messi led the team in both League (34 goals) and All Competitions (45 goals).
- Highest Attendance: 97,939 spectators attended the match against Real Madrid on 6 May 2018.
- Financials: Total spending on transfers reached €323.8 million, with total income of €231.5 million, resulting in a net spend of €92.3 million.
- Lowest Attendance: The match against Las Palmas on 1 October 2017 saw the lowest home attendance at 48,336.
Squad and Financial Overview
The club underwent significant squad restructuring during this period. The financial data reveals a heavy investment in talent to maintain their competitive edge in Europe and domestically.
| Category | Value/Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Transfer Spending | €323.8 Million |
| Total Transfer Income | €231.5 Million |
| Net Expenditure | €92.3 Million |
| League Top Scorer | Lionel Messi (34) |
| Overall Top Scorer | Lionel Messi (45) |
Competition Performance
La Liga
Barcelona maintained a strong presence in the Spanish league, with key victories against rivals. A standout performance occurred on 6 May 2018, where the club faced Real Madrid in front of a nearly full house at the Camp Nou. The season was characterized by consistent scoring from the trio of Messi, Luis Suárez, and various supporting attackers like Coutinho and Dembélé.
Copa del Rey
The club's journey in the domestic cup included a dominant 8–0 aggregate victory over Cartagena in the Round of 32 and a 6–1 aggregate win over Celta Vigo in the Round of 16. They eventually reached the final at the Wanda Metropolitano, where they secured a victory with goals from Suárez, Messi, Iniesta, Coutinho, and Busquets.
UEFA Champions League
In European competition, Barcelona navigated the group stages successfully, including wins over Juventus and Sporting CP. In the Round of 16, they overcame Chelsea with a 4–1 aggregate score, featuring a strong second-leg performance at home. However, their journey ended in the quarter-finals against AS Roma after a tense aggregate battle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the top scorer for Barcelona in the 2017–18 season?
Lionel Messi was the top scorer for both the league and all competitions, netting 34 goals in La Liga and 45 goals in total.
What was the highest attendance recorded during the season?
The highest attendance was 97,939, recorded during the match against Real Madrid on 6 May 2018.
How much did Barcelona spend on transfers during this period?
The club's total spending on transfers was €323.8 million.
Who was the president of the club during the 2017–18 season?
The president of FC Barcelona during this season was Josep Maria Bartomeu.
What was the net financial result of the club's transfer activity?
With a total spending of €323.8 million and income of €231.5 million, the net expenditure was €92.3 million.