Ben Stewart
The teams with the lowest XG against in Europe's top 5 leagues
The more chances you restrict the opposition having, the less likely you are to concede. That’s the case for these teams - here are the 10 sides in Europe’s top 5 leagues with the lowest expected goals against per game.
10) Bayern Munich - 1.03
The introduction of Dayot Upamecano has only made the Bayern backline even tougher to break down than before.
Lucas Hernandez has shown solid form across the season to make up for the departure of David Alaba.
Meanwhile, the double pivot of Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goreztka shields an already sturdy defence.
9) Atletico Madrid - 1.01
It would have been strange for Diego Simeone’s side not to be on this list.
The highest-paid coach in the world has shown more of a willingness to divert away from his traditional 4-4-2 formation this season and occasionally deploy a three man backline.
It’s perhaps been an underwhelming season for Atleti by their own recent standards; but they continue to be one of the hardest sides in world football to break down.
8) Juventus - 1.01
It’s been another poor season for the Old Lady who will have to settle for a top 4 place in Serie A.
That’s mainly down to a lack of goals though, as their defensive standards remain high.
The everlasting partnership of Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini continues to age like a fine wine.
7) AC Milan - 1.01
The Rossoneri are well in contention of winning the Serie A title for the first time in more than a decade and their defence has been crucial in their quest.
Fikayo Tomori has earned rave reviews for his performances while Theo Hernandez continues to be one of the left backs in world football.
The midfield partnership of Sandro Tonali and Franck Kessie only provides even more protection.
6) PSG - 1.01
The star-studded frontline of Mbappe, Messi and Neymar will steal the headlines but the Parisians are much better at the back than they get credit for.
Questions will be asked about the standard of opposition they face compared to other European sides, but Presnel Kimpembe and Marquinhos are two of the best defenders in the world.
The number of chances they concede is always going to be low considering how much they dominate games.
5) Marseille - 0.98
Jorge Sampaoli’s side have been the nearest challengers to PSG in Ligue 1 and their defence has been the main reason for that.
Arsenal loanees William Saliba and Matteo Guendouzi have enjoyed brilliant seasons at the Velodrome, while Boubacar Kamara has been a force in midfield.
4) Liverpool - 0.96
Jurgen Klopp’s men were always going to be high in this list for how much they dominate games but also because of the sheer quality of defensive players.
Virgil van Dijk continues to be one of the greatest centre backs the world has ever seen while either Joel Matip or Ibrahima Konate have both been excellent alongside him.
Fabinho is also one of the best at winning back the ball.
3) Napoli - 0.95
Napoli looked as if they could win their first Serie A title in more than three decades at the start of the season but they were hindered by a rocky November and December.
Luciano Spaletti’s side average more possession than any other team in the division which has been key to them keeping opposition chances to a minimum.
But the consistently brilliant Kalidou Koulibaly will always help in that regard, as will the likes of Amir Rrahmani and Mario Rui.
2) Lille - 0.89
A bit of a surprise name this high in the list…
The French champions have failed to build upon the success of last season and are going to have to settle for a top half finish at the very least.
They could count themselves unlucky though, because despite having the 2nd best XG against in Europe, 7 Ligue 1 teams have conceded fewer goals than them - indicating opposition sides have simply been extremely clinical against them.
1) Manchester City - 0.71
It’s no shock for Pep Guardiola’s men to be the best in Europe for this particular stat.
They face an average of just 6.2 shots per game - the best in the Premier League - and have only conceded 21 goals in 33 games.
The Citizens dominate possession and even when they don’t have it, the opposition has got to try and figure out a way past Ruben Dias, Aymeric Laporte or John Stones.
There’s a reason why their XG against per game is 0.18 better than any other top European side.