Barcelona head into the international break in a strong position, sitting three points clear at the top of LaLiga after a hard-fought 2-1 victory at Atletico Madrid. The win was far from straightforward. Hansi Flick's side fell behind inside 10 minutes and struggled to impose their usual high press in the first half, but a Fermin Lopez equaliser just before half-time changed the game entirely. Lopez added a second in the 66th minute, assisted by Lamine Yamal, to complete a comeback that Flick described as a perfect demonstration of the squad's character. A key tactical adjustment at the break, bringing Frenkie de Jong into the midfield, gave Barcelona the control they needed to see the game out.

The result carries real weight. Real Madrid had drawn level on points the previous day by beating Valencia 3-0, so Pau Cubarsi acknowledged the pressure the squad was under to respond. They did so convincingly, extending their lead back to three points and recording 11 wins from 12 league games.

Off the pitch, Cubarsi's week got even better. The 19-year-old centre-back was named the 2026 Golden Boy winner by Tuttosport, joining an elite list of Barcelona graduates that includes Messi, Pedri, Gavi, and Yamal. His performances this season, capped by a World Cup triumph with Spain, made him a clear choice. Barcelona return to domestic action on November 22 when they host Villarreal at Spotify Camp Nou.