Players of FC Barcelona
Players of FC Barcelona
Hansi Flick’s Barcelona have enjoyed an unbelievable start to the new season, having not dropped a single point across all competitions.
The Catalan club are now closing in on another remarkable achievement. After winning their opening eight La Liga matches, the club can equal a record held by Real Madrid since 1968 by defeating Real Betis next Saturday.
Barcelona’s 3-0 victory over Getafe matched the club’s best-ever start to a league campaign, previously achieved under Gerardo Martino in the 2013-14 season.
Martino’s Barcelona won their opening eight matches before their perfect run ended with a goalless draw against Osasuna in the ninth round.
Now, according to AS, Flick now has the opportunity to go one better than Martino and equal the all-time La Liga record of nine consecutive victories from the beginning of a season.
Lamine Yamal and Jules Kounde of FC Barcelona
Hansi Flick’s Barcelona look unstoppable. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Amancio scored 10 goals during those opening nine matches, helping Madrid establish a record that has survived for nearly six decades.
Interestingly, Raphinha has already scored 12 league goals this season, underlining the extraordinary attacking form driving Barcelona’s winning streak.
Barcelona must secure an important victory over Real Betis to match Real Madrid’s achievement.
Flick’s previous results against Betis offer encouragement. Barcelona secured an entertaining 5-3 away victory last season.
They also drew 2-2 against the Andalusians in his first campaign at the same stadium. It is also one of the away grounds where Barça have a strong historical record.
Their last league defeat away to Betis came in March 2008, when the hosts recovered from a two-goal deficit to win 3-2.
However, past records are just that and offer no guarantee. The Catalans play against Betis soon after a gruelling trip to Turkey to face Galatasaray.
The significance of this record extends beyond the rivalry with Real Madrid.
Hansi Flick, head coach of FC Barcelona
Hansi Flick’s side have enjoyed a good record at Estadio Villamarin. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)
Barcelona’s perfect start reflects how Flick has maintained the team’s attacking identity while integrating new players and managing a competitive squad.
With 34 goals already scored, Barcelona are not simply winning matches. They are overwhelming opponents on their way to those wins.
The upcoming trip to Galatasaray makes squad rotation particularly important, especially with the Clasico approaching on 25 October.
Victory in Seville would equal Madrid’s record and give Barcelona the platform to establish a new benchmark in their tenth league fixture.
The start has been excellent, and Flick will be keen to continue along the same lines for as long as possible. It remains to be seen how Barça’s record looks at the end of October.