Barcelona are flying. A ruthless 5-0 dismantling of Valencia at Mestalla on Sunday put Hansi Flick's side three points clear at the top of LaLiga, with Real Madrid's shock defeat to Real Betis on the same weekend handing the Catalans a commanding early advantage. Twelve points from four games, 17 goals scored, and a settled squad all point to a club with genuine momentum at the start of the 2026-27 campaign.

The performance against Valencia carried extra weight beyond the scoreline. Raphinha, newly confirmed as the first Brazilian captain in Barcelona's history, led the side with authority, while 19-year-old Lamine Yamal scored twice and continues to grow into a formal leadership role after being included in the club's five-man captaincy group. Summer signing Anthony Gordon, who arrived from Newcastle United for £70 million, has settled quickly and is already a fixture in Flick's starting XI. The midfield partnership of Pedri and new signing Rodri also drew praise, with Pedri publicly dismissing any doubts about their compatibility.

Flick, despite the attacking output, has been direct about one gap in his squad. He insists Barcelona still need a recognised number nine, a reminder that business may not be finished in the transfer market. Off the pitch, the club has moved to tie down academy graduates Hamza Abdelkarim, Xavi Espart, and Brian Farinas on improved contracts.

Attention now turns to a Champions League home tie against Feyenoord at Spotify Camp Nou on Tuesday.