Tactics & Lineups • FC Barcelona
Sunday, 13 September 2026 at 18:18 BST

FC Barcelona's Dominant Start to the Season and Squad Depth

Barcelona's strong start, Raphinha's scoring streak, key player performances, and upcoming fixtures.

Video from Barcelona's official channel

LIGA F | FC BARCELONA 4 vs 2 ATLETICO MADRID 🔵🔴 FC Barcelona ·

Executive Intelligence: Key Takeaways

  • FC Barcelona leads La Liga with 15 points from five matches, scoring 21 goals and conceding 4.
  • Raphinha is the league's top scorer, having found the net in all five matches, accumulating eight goals.
  • Lamine Yamal has scored five goals this season, and vice-president Rafa Yuste believes he is a Ballon d'Or candidate.

Barcelona’s Impressive Form and Attacking Prowess

FC Barcelona has enjoyed a spectacular start to the current season, demonstrating a strong goal-scoring record and an overall improved performance in both attack and defense compared to the previous campaign [1]. The team has scored an impressive 22 goals and conceded only 3 in their first five games across all competitions [2]. This prolific start is highlighted by individual brilliance, with Raphinha emerging as the league’s top scorer, having scored in all five matches and accumulating eight goals this season [3], [2]. Lamine Yamal has also been a significant contributor, netting five goals for Barcelona this season [2]. The team’s strong morale and exceptional form have been noted, with coach Hansi Flick expressing satisfaction with the squad’s balance and performance [1]. This early dominance suggests a focused approach to achieving their objectives, including a potential third consecutive league title and Champions League aspirations.

Key Players and Emerging Talents

Barcelona’s success is built on a blend of established stars and burgeoning young talents. Lamine Yamal, whose exceptional talent has led FC Barcelona’s vice-president to consider him a deserving candidate for the Ballon d’Or [4], is expected to be available for selection [5]. Anthony Gordon, who transferred to Barcelona in May [2], has made a strong impact, primarily playing from the left wing and providing four assists in five games, despite still seeking his first goal for the club [2]. His direct style and pressing ability have been influential. In midfield, Gavi and Pedri are both playing at a fantastic level, while Fermín López, who scored from a close-range opportunity created by Gordon [2], is also expected to be in the starting lineup [3]. Defensively, Pau Cubarsí is in phenomenal form after the World Cup and has improved physically [1], with Eric García also expected to return to the starting lineup [3]. Gerard Martín is another player anticipated to feature in the starting XI [3].

Squad Depth and Managerial Outlook

Coach Hansi Flick has expressed confidence in the team’s depth and balance, noting the positive development of young players and the availability of multiple options in various positions [1]. Beyond the confirmed starters, players like Hamza Abdelkarim are seen as great future projects, representing a profile not currently possessed by the team [1]. The manager’s focus on maintaining intensity and consistency in every match underscores the club’s ambition to compete on all fronts. The team’s expected line-ups are typically announced an hour before the match [6], allowing for tactical flexibility. This depth allows for rotation and adaptation, crucial for a team competing in multiple high-stakes competitions. The strong start to the season, with significant contributions from both established and new players, reflects a cohesive and well-managed squad under Flick’s guidance.

What it means

FC Barcelona currently sits at the top of La Liga, holding a perfect record of 15 points from five matches. Their goal difference is exceptionally strong, having scored 21 goals and conceded only 4. This dominant start is reflected in their recent form, with five consecutive wins across all competitions, including a 4-2 victory against Levante UD and a 5-1 triumph over Feyenoord Rotterdam in the Champions League. The team’s consistent high-scoring performances, such as the 5-0 win against Valencia CF and 5-2 against Rayo Vallecano de Madrid, highlight their attacking prowess. The next fixture sees Barcelona face Santander in La Liga on September 16th. Given their current form and league standing, the team will be looking to extend their winning streak and maintain their position at the summit of the league table. The challenge will be to sustain this high level of performance as the season progresses and the demands of both domestic and European competitions intensify.

Sources

  1. Marca: Hansi Flick: "Queremos ganar la Champions, pero también tres Ligas seguidas" marca.com
  2. BBC Sport: Signed instead of Rashford, Gordon is proving worth at Barca bbc.co.uk
  3. Marca: Levante - Barça: Los culés, a por la 'manita' de LaLiga marca.com
  4. Marca: Yuste: “Espero que se haga justicia y le den el Balón de Oro a Lamine" marca.com
  5. Marca: Lamine Yamal e Inés García dan un paso más en su relación y amplían la familia con dos cachorros marca.com
  6. Marca: Levante - Barcelona: horario, dónde ver hoy en TV y canal del partido de LaLiga EA Sports marca.com

🤖 Written by predict.game's models from the sources listed. How our content is made →

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