While Real Madrid crumbles after Florentino Pérez splurged €225 million and José Mourinho tries to revive a tainted approach, Barça under Hansi Flick rockets ahead with unmatched flair and numbers in Europe.
A three‑week pause now stalls the Catalan surge, just before a brutal stretch that includes Galatasaray, Betis and PSG, then a home Clásico versus Madrid, a clash with Aston Villa and a fiery showdown at the Metropolitano against Atlético amid the Julian saga. The looming ‘FIFA virus’ worries fans, yet Barça’s dazzling start fuels wild optimism.
In Flick’s third campaign, Barça edges toward shattering records. A six‑point cushion over Real Madrid after seven league games has traditionally signalled a title, while Atlético trails in second place, five points back.
THE BEST IN EUROPE
Flick’s squad rockets toward a third consecutive surge, now only the ‘FIFA virus’ looms.
The reigning double‑champions are the sole European side counting every competition win as a victory. Seven league triumphs sit beside a 5‑1 Champions League opener against Feyenoord, the season’s primary goal. Only Manchester City (5) and Borussia Dortmund (4) boast flawless records in major leagues. England’s Arsenal beat Enzo Maresca’s squad 3‑0 in the Community Shield, and Niko Kovac’s Bayern fell 1‑2 in the German Supercup. In my view, their unbeaten streak makes them the continent’s most exciting side.