The best defensive sides across Europe: Juventus, Liverpool, Sevilla

We often like to praise the best attacking sides across Europe, but who have been the best defensive units this season?

We’ve taken a look across Europe’s top five leagues to find the 10 sides who have faced the fewest shots on target this season. 

 

10. Fiorentina 

Despite Fiorentina shipping 51 goals this season, they didn’t give their opponents that many chances throughout the season. 

They conceded just 118 shots on target throughout the season, which averages out at 3.11 per 90. 

 

9. Juventus 

As the next entry from Italy, Juventus also didn’t allow their opponents many shots on target. 

They claimed a fourth placed finish with 70 points and conceded just 37 goals throughout the season. 

They matched Fiorentina’s record of 3.11 shots on target against them per 90. 

 

8. Sevilla  

Sevilla managed to fend off the likes of Real Betis and Real Sociedad to claim a Champions League spot for next season.  

Their sturdy defensive nature had a vital role to play in their success from this season as they conceded just 30 goals, fewer than any other La Liga side last season. 

They conceded just 118 shots on target in total, which was the second fewest of any Spanish top flight club. 

 

7. Torino 

Torino conceded just over one goal a game throughout the 21/22 campaign and they actually faced fewer shots on target than any Italian side. 

Ivan Jurić’s side conceded 115 shots on target, which averages out to 3.03 per 90. 

 

6. Chelsea 

Under Thomas Tuchel, Chelsea have been known for their defensive sturdiness and this season has been no different. 

Chelsea were one of three Premier League clubs to have conceded less than 38 goals this season as they faced 108 shots on target throughout the campaign. 

 

5. Marseille 

Despite finishing 15 points off PSG, Marseille were the second-best side in France last season. 

Jorge Sampaoli’s side conceded one goal per game and they faced an average of 2.82 shots on target per 90. 

 

4. Liverpool 

Jurgen Klopp’s side had quite the season and while the likes of Sadio Mane and Mo Salah have grabbed plenty of plaudits, it is important to remember how vital their back line has been. 

Liverpool only conceded 26 goals throughout their Premier League campaign and they faced just 105 shots on target in total which averages out at 2.76 per 90. 

 

3. Rennes 

Monaco just pipped Rennes to third place in Ligue 1, but it was an encouraging season for Bruno Génésio’s side regardless. 

They faced fewer shots on target than any other French side with 97 attempts against them or 2.55 per 90. 

 

2. Atletico Madrid 

Atletico Madrid aren’t really seen as the defensive juggernaut they once were, but despite this they have actually faced the second fewest shots on target in Europe’s top five leagues this season.  

They conceded more goals than eight other sides in La Liga this season despite facing the fewest shots on target. 

Diego Simeone’s side faced just 96 shots on target, which averages out at 2.53 per 90. 

The discrepancy between the two stats can perhaps be explained by Jan Oblak’s sudden drop off in form. 

The 29-year-old was the biggest underperforming goalkeeper in La Liga with an underperformance of 6.1 goals in total. 

 

1. Manchester City 

On top of scoring the most goals across Europe’s top five leagues, Manchester City have also managed to boast the best defensive record. 

Pep Guardiola’s side faced 85 shots on target throughout the season which averages out at 2.24 per 90.  

Their defensive record is even more impressive when you take into consideration at Ederson actually underperformed by 2.2 goals.