Barcelona are in commanding form at the top of LaLiga, sitting three points clear after a ruthless 5-0 dismantling of Valencia at Mestalla that underlined their status as the division's dominant force. The win, their fourth consecutive league victory, came on the same weekend Real Madrid lost to Real Betis, handing Hansi Flick's side a gap they will be keen to protect.

The performance carried real weight beyond the scoreline. Raphinha captained the side in what was confirmed as a historic appointment, making him the first Brazilian to hold the permanent armband at the club. Lamine Yamal, who had missed training ahead of the match amid injury concerns, answered those doubts emphatically by scoring twice. Pedri and new signing Rodri controlled the midfield, with Pedri dismissing suggestions the pair cannot coexist. Gabriel Jesus, who arrived from Arsenal in the final hours of the transfer window, made his debut from the bench.

Despite the attacking output, 17 goals across four league games, Flick maintained that the squad still needs a recognised striker, signalling that his transfer priorities remain unchanged regardless of results.

Attention now turns to Europe. Barcelona host Feyenoord at Spotify Camp Nou on September 9 in the Champions League, with Feyenoord legend Wim Rijsbergen already warning his compatriot Giovanni van Bronckhorst about the threat a confident Barcelona side will pose.