FC Barcelona struggles with handling set pieces, especially corner kicks, which poses a clear defensive challenge for the team this season, according to the Spanish newspaper 'Sport'.

The newspaper explained that the Catalan team, despite leading the league, winning the Super Cup, and qualifying for the quarter-finals of the King's Cup, has conceded seven goals from corner kicks this season. This includes two goals against Slavia Prague in the Champions League, Gonzalo Garcia's goal in the Super Cup final, Oyarzabal's goal against Real Sociedad, in addition to goals from Rayo Vallecano, Real Betis, Chelsea, and Alaves.

The newspaper added that the team's defensive improvement under Hans Flick's leadership, particularly after Juan Garcia's return as goalkeeper, helped achieve five consecutive clean sheets. However, they conceded six goals in the last four matches, placing Barcelona behind four teams in terms of the fewest goals conceded in the Spanish league, and 19 teams in Europe have conceded fewer goals than them at this stage.

The newspaper pointed out that dealing with crosses is one of the weaknesses opponents try to exploit, as happened against Slavia Prague. The Czech team's assistant coach stated before the match, 'Barcelona struggles with crosses, and we will try to exploit that.'

The report confirmed that improving defense in set pieces is one of the essential aspects Barcelona needs to work on to enhance their defensive solidity and ensure stability in upcoming matches.