Hansi Flick’s Barcelona have not just started the season in fine fashion, they have announced themselves as the ‘contenders’.
Barcelona have begun the 2026/27 campaign with the sort of authority that turns heads across Europe. Five games, five wins, 22 goals scored and only three conceded, including a 5-1 dismantling of Feyenoord in their Champions League opener, paint a picture of a side brimming with confidence and clarity under Hansi Flick.
While questions over squad depth linger, the Blaugrana’s ultra-attacking identity and clinical finishing have made them early favourites for every trophy on offer, including the Champions League, a prize that has eluded them for more than a decade.
A perfect start built on attacking fluency
What stands out most about Barcelona’s opening salvo is not merely the volume of goals but the ease with which they are being created. Four of their five outings have seen them net five times, a feat that speaks to both tactical coherence and individual brilliance.
Against Feyenoord, they monopolised 72 per cent of possession, generated numerous big chances and looked utterly in control from start to finish. The high defensive line, often a source of anxiety in previous seasons, has been executed with assurance, allowing the team to suffocate opponents and launch rapid transitions.
This fluidity is no accident. Flick’s system encourages quick combinations, intelligent movement off the ball and relentless pressing when possession is lost. The result is a side that looks more cohesive and purposeful than at any point in recent memory.
Even in the absence of a marquee striker to replace Robert Lewandowski, the collective has thrived, with goals coming from across the front line and midfield.
Raphinha and Yamal: the unstoppable duo
At the heart of Barcelona’s early success are Raphinha and Lamine Yamal, whose partnership has become the engine of the team’s attacking play. The Brazilian captain opened the scoring against Feyenoord after just three minutes, finishing with composure after a clever assist from Yamal. He added a second after the break, his movement and timing once again proving decisive.
Yamal, meanwhile, continues to rewrite the record books. At 19 years and 58 days, he became Barcelona’s youngest-ever captain when he took the armband following Raphinha’s substitution, surpassing Bojan Krkic’s previous mark.
He capped his leadership debut with a stunning free-kick and another assist, this time for Gabriel Jesus, underlining his growing influence. The synergy between the two wingers is becoming a defining feature of Barcelona’s season, and their ability to unlock defences consistently has been crucial to the team’s perfect start.
Emerging contributors and tactical flexibility
Beyond the headline names, other players have stepped up to reinforce Flick’s tactical vision. Pedri’s creativity continues to orchestrate play from midfield. Fermin Lopez, who came off the bench against Feyenoord, has impressed in his league appearances, offering energy, goals, and assists.
The manager has also demonstrated shrewd rotation, resting key figures without compromising performance levels. This depth, particularly in midfield and wide areas, has allowed Barcelona to maintain intensity across competitions. Even so, the absence of a proven centre-forward remains a talking point, though the current system’s emphasis on collective goal-scoring has thus far masked any such deficiency.
Defensive concerns and the Kounde question
For all the attacking exuberance, defensive frailties cannot be entirely dismissed. While the overall numbers are encouraging, individual lapses have been evident. Jules Kounde, deployed at right-back in Eric García’s suspension-enforced absence, struggled against Feyenoord.
He won just one of seven ground duels, was dribbled past twice and contributed to the goal Barcelona conceded through a concentration error. His performance has reignited debate over his role in the starting XI.
Though experienced and versatile, Kounde’s recent form has been inconsistent, and his presence no longer commands the same reassurance it once did. Apart from that, they haven’t brought in any experienced central defenders despite having lost Inigo Martinez in the summer of 2025 and sending Ronald Araujo on loan this summer.
Title favourites with a statement to make
Barcelona’s early form has sent a clear message: they are not merely participating in the title race but intend to lead it. Their position atop the Champions League table, second only to PSG on goal difference, reflects both their domestic and European ambitions. More importantly, the manner of their victories suggests a team that has found its identity once again.
While the season is still young, the Blaugrana’s blend of youth, experience and tactical discipline makes them genuine contenders for every honour. If they can maintain this level of performance and address minor defensive vulnerabilities, the prospect of ending their long Champions League drought suddenly feels far from fanciful.