Barcelona are flying. Hansi Flick's side sit top of LaLiga with 12 points from four matches and opened their Champions League campaign with a commanding 5-1 victory over Feyenoord at Spotify Camp Nou, a result that announced their continental ambitions with real force. Lamine Yamal was the night's standout figure, breaking a Champions League record previously held by Kylian Mbappe and earning a perfect 10 from post-match ratings. Flick has since backed the teenager openly for the Ballon d'Or, a view shared by Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente.

The performance highlighted how effectively Flick has reshaped this squad. Raphinha, operating as a makeshift centre-forward, scored twice and has drawn particular praise from his manager, who described him as playing on another level. The summer arrivals of Rodri and Anthony Gordon have added depth and structure, with Rodri controlling midfield and sporting director Deco explaining that Gordon's profile suited Flick's system better than a permanent deal for Marcus Rashford would have.

Flick has been quick to temper any complacency, warning publicly that things can change fast and demanding his players maintain their focus. That message sets the tone ahead of Sunday's trip to face Levante at the Estadio Ciudad de Valencia. Barcelona travel as clear favourites, but the manager's caution reflects an awareness that sustaining this level across a long season is the real challenge ahead.