Barcelona 2-0 Sporting Lisbon: 5 Talking Points

#1 Barcelona's impressive defensive record in the Champions League

Vermaelen has done well for Barcelona

This past weekend, Barcelona had their problems against Celta and haven't convinced against teams -- like Sevilla, Athletic Bilbao and Valencia -- who play a high pressing setup. But you've got to admit that they have a gameplan on how to set up at the back.

Losing Samuel Umtiti was a blow but Thomas Vermaelen has impressed with his performances and has a bit of a surprise rise as many deemed him not good enough to start games for the club anymore. The Belgian was pretty solid with his distribution from the back and won as many as four aerial duels, that same numbers that Gerard Pique managed in the game as well.

The midfield setup has made the team harder to break down, and even Juventus, with all the attacking talent of Dybala, Higuain, Cuadrado and Mandzukic, failed to breach the Blaugrana defence.

The side finish the group stages with the best defensive record of conceding just one goal and can be proud of that.