Barcelona was reported to have made a strong start to the La Liga season under coach Hansi Flick, taking the maximum 27 points from nine matches and scoring 39 goals. Former Barcelona attacker Ronald de Boer said the team had more attacking options and a broader selection than last season, including new attackers Karim Adeyemi and Anthony Gordon, while its high pressing had been added to the club’s traditional possession-based style.

The improved performances were reported alongside increased spending, said to be about €170 million, despite the club’s substantial debt. Barcelona was also investing heavily in the expansion of Camp Nou and had recently promised a €500 million loan for the project. De Boer attributed part of the team’s greater stability to midfielder Rodri and said Frenkie de Jong, who was injured, could strengthen the defence or midfield when he returned.