Barcelona’s flying start contrasts with Real Madrid tension before El Clasico

Barcelona’s emphatic victories and growing optimism stand in sharp contrast to Real Madrid’s narrow wins, defeats and mounting tension with El Clasico only two weeks away. The gap between the sides remains six points after eight La Liga rounds, with the meeting scheduled for 25 October at Spotify Camp Nou.

Barcelona’s perfect start has continued under Hansi Flick, despite concerns that a three-week international break might disrupt their momentum. They returned with the same authority, scoring early against Getafe despite their opponents defending deep with two compact lines, then controlling the match while securing another convincing victory.

The result was Barcelona’s ninth win of the season. Six have come by at least three goals: 5-0 against Elche, 5-2 against Rayo Vallecano, 5-0 against Valencia, 7-2 against Racing, 3-0 against Getafe in La Liga and 5-1 against Feyenoord in the Champions League. Their other victories were 2-0 against Athletic Bilbao, 4-2 against Levante and 3-1 against Sevilla.

The schedule before El Clasico includes away matches against Galatasaray, Real Betis and Paris Saint-Germain, but confidence remains high among Barcelona supporters. The club’s new arrivals have settled quickly, with Rodri appearing as though he has played for Barcelona for years. Gordon has justified the sporting department’s decision to sign him, while Karim Adeyemi and Gabriel Jesus have also impressed whenever selected.

Lamine Yamal continues to create chances that become goals. Although he did not score against Getafe, he supplied the assist for Jules Kounde, who marked the occasion by becoming the most-capped French player in the club’s history. Yamal now has eight goals and seven assists as he pushes himself into contention for the Ballon d’Or.

Madrid’s difficult victories

Real Madrid’s seven wins have generally been far less comfortable, with four decided by a single goal. Those victories were against Espanyol, 2-1; Elche, 3-2; Villarreal, 1-0, in La Liga; and Inter Milan, 2-1, in the Champions League. The other three came against Real Sociedad, 4-1, Malaga, 4-0, and Rayo Vallecano, 4-1.

They have also lost twice, 1-0 to Real Betis and 2-1 to Atletico Madrid. Tension around the club was evident even after the victory over Villarreal, with the team’s new signings yet to provide the expected impact. Marc Cucurella has looked different from before, while Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konate and Bernardo Silva are still being asked to show their best form.

Carlos Espi has scored whenever he has played, while Diomande attracted attention by scoring his first Real Madrid goal against Villarreal. Kylian Mbappe failed to score against the Yellow Submarine for a second consecutive match.

Vinicius Junior was again at the centre of controversy after grabbing Saliba’s hair and becoming involved in angry protests, actions that could cost him a place in El Clasico.

Jose Mourinho also dominated the aftermath. He repeatedly confronted the fourth official and the opposition bench, while footage of him running on to embrace Vinicius after the Brazilian’s goal was disallowed became a source of mockery. Mourinho then declined to attend the post-match news conference, adding to the contrast between the clubs ahead of 25 October.