Published on October 27, 2024 at 2:02 p.m. Thibaut Simon
Exceptional since the start of the season, the Flick version of FC Barcelona was ruthless with Real Madrid during the Clasico (0-4). Why does Barça seem untouchable this season?
Barça seems to have found its guide. Since the arrival of Hansi Flick on the bench this season, the Catalans are walking on water and seem well on their way to returning to titles after a blank season. The statistics speak for themselves. Following its victory at the Bernabeu on Saturday evening, FC Barcelona is leader of La Liga with 30 points taken out of 33 possible. Only one defeat in the league on the Osasuna pitch (4-2) on September 28. With six points ahead of Real and nine over Villarreal, Flick’s team made an impression. In the Champions League, the recipe has also taken hold. Aside from the defeat in Monaco (2-1), Barça crushed Young Boys (5-0) and had fun with Bayern Munich (4-1). With 37 goals scored in La Liga – 48 in all competitions – Barça is the best attack in the major European championships. A success which is not due to chance.
Lewandowski makes the powder speak
If the FC Barcelona attack works wonderfully, it is obviously thanks to the impressive team and the talents that the club possesses. But one man is indeed one of the main players at the start of the season: Robert Lewandowski. The Pole’s start to the season is reminiscent of the 2020/2021 season for Bayern. At that time, the 36-year-old striker had broken the 49-year-old record for the most goals in a Bundesliga season held by Gerd Müller. With 41 goals scored, Lewandowski had walked on water. If he scored 23 and 19 goals during his first seasons in Catalonia, the international has already scored 14 times in La Liga including a double against Real Madrid. In total, the Pole has 17 goals and 2 assists in all competitions. Lewandowski is on track to get closer to 40 or 50 goals in a season and the records of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Sparkling Raphinha, Lamine Yamal in his garden
Barça can also count on a player who has returned to his best level: Raphinha. After a magnificent season at Leeds, a lot of hopes were pinned on the Brazilian winger. With a transfer worth around 60 million euros, Raphinha’s first two seasons were disappointing. But the 2024/2025 financial year has nothing to do with it. The first thing to highlight is the trust between the German coach and the Brazilian left-hander. Raphinha is captain at 27 of a team that breathes football. In addition, the international has raised its level. In 14 matches in all competitions, he scored 10 goals and provided 7 assists. Omnipresent, fast and technically accurate, he completes the offensive sector perfectly. Especially with the start of the season of Lamine Yamal at his side. The 2024 European champion scored 5 goals for 6 assists in La Liga and had a very good match on Real’s pitch.
