I agree with you. If you look at the statistics in the previous few seasons, Barcelona was able to stay in the top 3 for several seasons and that shows that they are still the same Barcelona and are one of the big teams in La Liga. But what differentiates them from previous seasons is that they slumped to 4th and 5th place this season. I think that's something that rarely happens to Barcelona. And coupled with the financial crisis experienced by the team, some people think that Barcelona is in trouble. But if you look at their current position I am sure they will get second place in La Liga. And with great young players in their team, I think Barcelona will return to being one of Europe's strongest teams next season.
Barcelona's performance is not satisfying and I can bet you that even last season, when they won La Liga, it was all luck The real Madrid focus was on the UCL, and there was no other serious club that would compete with it. That is why I said Barcelona is doing well. Look at Barcelona during Messi and see how the club was all-flying their performance was extraordinary. and making the top 3 is not an achievement to me when others are busy looking for ways to win the trophy they are looking for Look at Manchester City last season, winning 3 trophies. That is what will be called an effort, not looking for ways to make the top 3, and we should not forget that Girona is there so second place will not be easy for them likewise.
It was not luck, my friend, but was Real Madrid still in the process of rebuilding the club again? If you are calling that Madrid was focusing on UCL, this is totally wrong, as Madrid lost against City last season. Barcelona was at the right time when many clubs are rebuilding their clubs and barcelona took the momentum.
The current season is kinda different caused by real madrid is slowly finishing to rebuild its club again. Real madrid needs only some final touches to finish the best squad in the world. The first plan to recruit a good striker for the club. The second place is rebuilding the defensive line of real madrid.
I have been seeing that the main concern that often causes Real Madrid to struggle to win the game is its weak defense, which can concede goals anytime. Real Madrid needs to put more effort into rebuilding the defensive line.
Real Madrid's main weaknesses were on the RB and LB. They have no good wing backs, and this must be sorted out as soon as possible. Ancellotti and perez have promised to sign two new players.