Three out of three

FC Barcelona is working to perfection under Hansi Flick and the results are reflecting it. The negative vibes after losing the Joan Gamper Trophy against Monaco are well and truly condemned to the past because once the competitive games kicked in, the team has done nothing but win. In fact, it's the first time there have been three wins out of three in the first trio of league outings since 2018 under Ernesto Valverde.

Valencia, Athletic Club and Rayo have all been beaten, curiously with all three games ending 2-1, and with just one of those games played at home and comebacks required in two of them. And it puts Barça top of the table, for although some teams have games in hand, none will be able to amass nine points before the weekend.

Eight is the record

But there is still a long way to go if Barça are to match their best ever start to a Liga campaign. That was in 2013, when Tata Martino led the team to eight straight wins before drawing away to Osasuna in week nine.

But a good start doesn't always means things will end the right way too. In fact, that year, and despite only dropping seven points in the whole first half of the season, Barça ended out missing out on a title that was eventually claimed by Atlético Madrid.

In contrast, more discrete starts have often ended in success. As recently as 2022/23, Xavi's side only drew in their first game but went on to be crowned champions. And in 2018, Barça won their first four games but followed that up with a disappointing run of three draws and a defeat. Even so, they quickly found their form again and went on to win the league.

In other words, it's still very early days. A lot could happen between now and May!