Currently, Barcelona have better and consistent performance in this season than Real Madrid although not unbeaten yet but loss many points after being draw in three matches. Real Madrid remaining three points left from Barcelona on current standings position awhile and the el clasico match very crucial for both teams to secure their top standings position and Barcelona won't loss their opportunity with first standing place.
Yeah Barcelona have a great performances this season compared to their last season performance, but this the right time for them to put in much efforts if not the Real Madrid mighty take over the top standing from them. Because the way Madrid performance is moving on currently now if care is not taking they might chances Barcelona after there upcoming match.
Barcelona are about to lose there consistency with the kind patterns of the game their playing this day, compared to how they started the league this season, and if they didn’t maintain their performances and continue to lose every of their matches or draw they lose their first standing in the table.
The way Barcelona is performing this season is good, and I think they don't need to put in as much effort as you claim. Barcelona has shown a greater performance this season than last season, which means Barcelona has put in much effort in their play to be able to achieve this result this season. Barcelona is still leading the La Liga table so far, and nobody believed they would be donating La Liga this season because of the way they performed last season. If Barcelona players don't sustain any serious injuries this season, Real Madrid will find it hard to overtake Barcelona at the number one spot in the La Liga table this season.