FC Barcelona starts the 2026-27 season with two 5-0 victories and a unleashed offensive trident

Two “manitas” in four matches, compared to just one inflicted in 57 matches last season. With two victories already with a score of 5-0, FC Barcelona has started the 2026-27 financial year on a high note. Surprising? A little, when we know that the Catalans spent the summer looking for a center forward after the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres. The soap opera Julian Alvarez, held against his will by Atlético de Madrid, did not have a “happy ending”, and Lautaro Martinez preferred to stay at Inter Milan.

The Spanish champions finally fell back on Gabriel Jesus, losing momentum at Arsenal and brought in to replace Barça. The Brazilian was content with nine minutes against Valencia last Sunday and had nothing to do with the Blaugrana fury that is raging. It is Raphinha who officiates at the forefront of Hansi Flick's 4-3-3. A novelty which gives rise to wonders: six goals in four matches for him, 17 goals in total for his team.

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Gordon-Yamal-Raphinha, a unleashed trident

“We have incredible quality in attack,” said Flick after the success against Valencia (0-5), which followed those against Elche (0-5), Athletic (2-0) and Rayo Vallecano (5-2). With English rookie Anthony Gordon providing the ball on the left (4 assists) and star Lamine Yamal on the right (4 goals), danger comes from everywhere at the Camp Nou. “I'm not surprised by what we accomplished, because it reflects the quality of our training,” said Flick.

The German coach could have complained about not having a professional No.9 to install in this position. Rather, he adapted with foresight. “For me, Raphinha is currently our best option at the No.9 position,” he explained a week ago. Even when he plays on the side as a left winger, he still tends to move into the middle. He needs to be involved in the game. As I always say, he is also the one who initiates the movements and leads the pressing very well, because he has a lot of power and speed.

The Brazilian, named captain before the start of the season, fifth in the Ballon d'Or last year with already impressive statistics (34 goals and 22 assists in 57 matches), is a driving force in the collective. He became the second Barcelona player, along with Lionel Messi, to score six times in the first four La Liga matches in the 21st century.

Feyenoord Rotterdam, traveling to Catalonia this Wednesday (6:45 p.m.), could be its first victim in the Champions League. Barça already seems ready for its perilous week at the end of October, where it will follow a trip to PSG (October 20) and the reception of Real Madrid in the championship (25). “There is always room for improvement, we must try to control the match even more,” Flick qualified. Between now and the big deadlines, Barça will find plenty to do.