Barcelona’s perfect start to the season is no accident

This Barcelona team is going about everything in the right way, and showing they are a team to take seriously.

No one expects perfection. And neither does Hansi Flick. And that’s exactly why his team has taken nine points from their first three games.

None of the games were a tactical masterclass from start to finish. In each of them, they had to overcome moments of significant adversity when they were being outplayed.

Playing at Vallecas is always a challenge because of the hostile atmosphere, and the fierce physicality and intensity from their adversary.

In the first ten minutes of the game on Tuesday, Rayo Vallecano were dominating, winning every first and second ball, and overall taking the lion’s share of the possession and opportunities on goal.

Eventually they opened the scoring.

After that, however, Barcelona reset and began to grow into the game.

They started by regaining possession and slowing down the pace. By the end of the half they were the better team, but still weren’t able to break through.

At halftime Dani Olmo came into the game in place of Ferran Torres and became the tactical solution, creating danger within minutes inside of the opposing area.

From there, he would go on to bring consistent energy, tenacity, and daring. Even hitting the bar from 30 yards out.

Even being down a goal with just 40 minutes to go, you got the sense that Barcelona were going to find a way to get the win.

And it’s because this team doesn’t panic. They have all the confidence in the world that, even if they are playing poorly for a stretch, they can turn things around.

And Rayo Vallecano looked and played nervous as the game went on.

All three of Barcelona’s second half goals were absolute class. That also includes Robert Lewandowski’s goal that was taken away unjustly by VAR.

Going into the season, the worry was that Barcelona would become too dependent on Lamine Yamal, their teenage phenom.

What we are seeing now is a true team whose success comes from what they’re doing together.

Lamine did what he does, with an classy assist, and many dangerous plays throughout.

Raphinha is looking the best he has ever looked in a Barça uniform. Working hard, and in this game, adding a beautifully easy assist to Pedri, who finished it off gracefully with calm.

Dani Olmo and Lamine’s hookup on the game winner was quite similar.

To not complain about the overturned game winner, and simply get back to the business of winning the game was impressive. And hopefully a sign of a mature team that is ready to contend this season.

It was heartbreaking to see Marc Bernal go down at the end, and once again, it’s an unlucky break for Hansi Flick who has not been dealt an easy hand to start his tenure.

Next man up could very well be Marc Casadó now. And the good news is that he has an army of ten brothers in arms behind him. No one is alone.

But it should also be noted Flick will need to get his lineup and balance right.

It was the correct decision to drop Ferran Torres, who also struggled to make an impact on the wing. Having natural wingers like Raphinha and Lamine Yamal is a much better option. And Dani Olmo showed the impact he can make through the middle. Keep in mind that’s where he played for Spain.

It was nice to give Alejandro Balde a rest, but when he came in, he once again provided an attacking threat that fits Flick’s system so perfectly. Gerard Martín, for my money, hasn’t looked convincing. I would like to see Héctor Fort given a fair shot, and he has already proven he has the toughness and quality to contribute at this level.

With just a few days left in the transfer window, do Barcelona still need reinforcements?

With Bernal going down, a midfielder would be a big help.

I wouldn’t take anything for granted.

Flick is off to a start that looks like magic, but in reality probably just comes down to clear communication, and the enforcement of high standards.

I’m sure there will be lots of players on the market watching, and saying “Barcelona is the place to be”. And they’re not wrong.