Although Valverde's side claim the winter champion, they set the worst record of the first half of the season since 2007-08.
After a 2-2 draw against Espanyol last night, Barcelona end their first half of the season with 40 points (12W 4D 3L). It's their worst record since 07-08.
Barca's points at the end of the first half since 2007-2008 season:
2008: 40 points. (Madrid was the leader with 47 points; Barca second).
2009: 50 points. (Barca was the leader with twelve points over Madrid)
2010: 49 points. (Barça was the leader with five points over Madrid)
2011: 52 points (Barça was the leader with four points over Madrid)
2012: 44 points (Madrid was the leader with 49 points, Barca second)
2013: 55 points (Barça was the leader with eleven points over Atletico Madrid)
2014:50 points (Barça was leading Atletico by 'goal difference')
2015:44 points (Madrid was leading with 48 points; Barca second)
2016:45 points (Barça was leading with a one-point lead against Atletico Madrid)
2017:41 points (Madrid was leading with 43)
2018:51 points (Barça was leading with nine points lead) compared to Atletico)
2019:43 points (Barça was the leader with five points over Atletico)
2020:40 points (Barça is ahead of Real Madrid by 'goal difference')