Barcelona are in the form of their lives. A commanding 5-1 Champions League victory over Feyenoord at Spotify Camp Nou opened their European campaign in the most emphatic fashion, and the performance carried a message to the rest of the continent. Hansi Flick's side dominated with 72% possession and 22 shots, a display of tactical authority that left their opponents with little answer. The result confirmed what La Liga has already shown: this Barcelona side is serious.

The night belonged to Lamine Yamal, whose record-breaking performance drew comparisons to Kylian Mbappe and prompted Flick to back the teenager for the Ballon d'Or. Raphinha, operating as a makeshift centre-forward, also delivered with two goals, and Flick has since described the Brazilian captain as being on a different level entirely. New signing Gabriel Jesus came off the bench to score on his Camp Nou debut, matching a record set by Brazilian legend Rivaldo in European competition.

Off the pitch, Rodri issued a public apology after cameras caught him making disparaging remarks about Valencia following a 5-0 La Liga win, a minor distraction in an otherwise positive week. Flick, meanwhile, has been careful to keep feet on the ground, warning his squad that momentum can shift quickly ahead of Sunday's La Liga trip to Levante. Barcelona sit top of the table on 12 points from four games, level with Real Madrid, who have played one more fixture.