Back on top after 833 days

The vibes at Barça in 2022/23 have been great since the preseason and after a setback in the first game when they drew with Rayo Vallecano, they have won six in a row, conceding just one goal in the process. But despite that spectacular form, Real Madrid were the early pacesetters with a 100 per cent record from their first six outings.

All that changed this weekend, for while Barça won 1-0 in Mallorca, Real Madrid could only draw with Osasuna. Both teams now have 19 points out of a possible 21, but the Catalans' +18 goal difference is vastly superior to that of the now former leaders.

It's been over two years, since June 2020, just after football resumed following the Covid-19 pause, since Barça last topped the table. Quique Setién was still the manager at the time. His successor, Ronald Koeman. never got to spend a single week in pole position.

It's been 833 days and 91 games. A long wait for Barça fans. But it's finally over. However, it's still only October. The next job is to make sure the team is still where it is at the end of the season. But given the way things have gone so far,. there is no reason to believe that that can't happen!