Barcelona again showed itself because they were underestimated in the previous season and it was the deepest wound for the team that was big in the 3rd best standings last season, however we need to appreciate Barcelona this season, they showed that they were not like last season with Hansi Flick, they managed to improve their quality and vision in season ii with very ambitious, the victory over Alaves made them back far above the table and it was a very extraordinary step, while Real Madrid as a rival seems quite overwhelmed at the beginning of the season.
What Flick is doing with Barcelona make me respect him more. I always knew he was the right man for the Barcelona job, but when Barcelona made only one signing last summer, I didn't expect much from him, but he has gone on to build a team that is very solid. They have not lost a game on a level playing field. They lost to Osasuna because of heavy rotation and lost to Monaco because of a red card. Looking at the team he's using to perform this well, you have to give him his flowers.
He picked up academy boys like Benel and Casado and turned them into beast. When you watch Casado who is a young lad, he plays football like someone who has been at the top level for the past 3 years. It's unbelievable. The whole team is so confident and hungry. They run and press for the whole 90 minutes. They create loads of chances as well.
There is still part of their game that needs fixing like their defence and their attack needs to be more clinical, but I believe that when their injured players return they eilk be beter than thus.
The ultimate test will be games against Madrid and Bayern. Lucky for them players like Olmo and Gavi would be ready by then so hopefully they'll be at their best. Their prayer should be that none of their players gets injured during the international break.