Barcelona enter the international break in fine form, sitting top of LaLiga on nine points from three games after a commanding 5-2 home win over Rayo Vallecano at the Spotify Camp Nou. The result kept them level on points with Real Madrid but ahead on goal difference, and the manner of the victory underlined the confidence running through Hansi Flick's squad as they look to defend back-to-back titles.

The story of the window, and perhaps of the early season, is Anthony Gordon. The England winger delivered his third assist in three LaLiga appearances during the Rayo rout, and his comments afterwards — that Spanish football demands a level of tactical intelligence that the Premier League often lacks — suggest a player who has taken to his new surroundings with real conviction. Andreas Christensen also marked the occasion by reaching 100 appearances for the club, a milestone the Danish defender described as particularly meaningful given the injury setbacks he has had to overcome.

Off the pitch, the summer window closed with mixed results. Gabriel Jesus completed a cut-price €15 million move from Arsenal, accepting a significant pay cut to make the transfer happen, with former team-mate Sergio Aguero backing him to score 15 goals in Catalonia. The pursuit of Julian Alvarez, however, ended in frustration. Atletico Madrid refused to sell to a direct rival, leaving Dani Olmo publicly baffled by the outcome. Barcelona are already planning a renewed bid in 2027. Marc Casado departed on a season-long loan to Deportivo A Coruna, while the club held firm against a late Manchester United approach for left-back Alejandro Balde. A trip to Valencia on September 6 awaits after the break.