CORNERFLICK
Barcelona have opened La Liga with seven straight wins and can draw level with Real Madrid’s 58-year-old record if they win their next two matches.
Seven from seven
The reigning champions beat Sevilla 3-1 to stay top with 21 points from 21 available. They have scored 31 goals and conceded seven across those seven league games.
Real Madrid still hold the record for the best start to a La Liga season. Miguel Muñoz’s side won their first nine matches in 1968/69 before dropping points for the first time with a goalless draw against Pontevedra in round 10.
Chance to match the mark
Barcelona next face Getafe at home after the international break, then travel to Real Betis. Two more wins would take Flick’s side to nine straight league victories and match Madrid’s record.
If they do that, the chance to break it would come against Madrid themselves. La Liga schedules Barcelona to host Real Madrid on 25 October at the Spotify Nou Camp, where a 10th straight win would set a new benchmark.
Raphinha leads the way
Raphinha scored all three goals in the win over Sevilla and now has 12 league goals in the opening seven rounds. His form has been central to Barcelona’s perfect start.