Perfect start, star duo shine, Kounde’s disappointment | Three takeaways from Barcelona 5-1 Feyenoord

Perfect start, star duo shine, Kounde’s disappointment | Three takeaways from Barcelona 5-1 Feyenoord Barcelona made their first UEFA Champions League clash of the new season look ridiculously easy last night as they romped home to a 5-1 win over Feyenoord at the Spotify Camp Nou. It was complete and utter dominance from Hansi Flick’s side against the Dutch club as they not only kept 72% of possession but also created more big chances with persistent attacks. What stood out once again was the team’s defensive stability and reassuring high line, both of which are continued signs of the improvement from last season. The win takes Barcelona to second place on the table, only below PSG on goal difference as the reigning champions won by a 6-1 margin. The perfect European start Barcelona’s blistering start to the season has not only been headlined by the scorelines they have registered, but also by the ease with which they have done so. Barcelona are yet to lose a match this season. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) Something about the team’s attacking play and overall game stability appears more effortless than before, and the ease of play is visible in the players’ combinations. Last night was one more such outing for the Catalans, as they romped to another famous win where they scored five goals. That now makes it four times in five games that they have hit that number. The UEFA Champions League draw for Barcelona is tricky, and the Blaugrana have multiple dark horses labelled as the ‘easy’ teams they face. In that sense, the three points against Feyenoord and the statement it announces to the world are absolutely massive. Hansi Flick and Co. could not have asked for a better start to the new UCL season. The stars shone, the team dominated and substitutes stepped up when called on. More importantly, multiple big names earned their rest. Raphinha and Yamal are unstoppable There is something special about the bond between Raphinha and Lamine Yamal, and it is a combination that will be remembered for a long time to come, not only for their camaraderie but for their impact on the game in and game out. Raphinha and Yamal were on the scoresheet against Feyenoord. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) Last night’s win was all about the duo again as they contributed to most of the goals and attacking play against Feyenoord. The Barcelona captain opened the scoring after just three minutes with a finish for the ages as he broke the ankles of two defenders and opened up space for himself to drive the ball low into the goal. The assist, unsurprisingly, was from Lamine Yamal. Raphinha scored yet again after the break, this time off a Pedri assist, and it was his movement to stay onside and dizzying run that won him praise in that action. Taken off in the 71st minute, Raphinha left the field to a deserved ovation and Yamal then took over for Barcelona. The young captain stepped up for a free kick with the captain’s armband and the number ten shirt and converted a lovely effort, sending many down memory lane for all the connections. Just eight minutes later, Yamal registered his second assist of the night, this time with a wonderfully directed cross from the wing straight into the path of Gabriel Jesus in front of the goal.  At this point, both forwards are in imperial form and Barcelona will hope they stay fit and raring throughout the season. Kounde remains the weak link While there are seemingly only positives to take away from Barcelona’s so far this season, one weak link in the team is Jules Kounde, and that remains undebatable. Kounde completed full 90 minutes against Feyenoord. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) Eric Garcia has been the manager’s preferred right-back option so far this season, but he missed last night’s clash owing to a suspension he was carrying forward from last season. In his absence, Kounde was handed the chance to impress. The player appeared to start the game strong, focused and determined to undo the tarnish his image has seen in recent times.  However, he soon fell back into the same pattern of concentration lapses that has defined him lately, making him the clear weak link at the back. Kounde won just one of seven ground duels against Feyenoord, made one error leading to goal and was the big culprit in the goal Barcelona eventually conceded. He was dribbled past twice and had barely any contributions at the other end. At this point, it is becoming difficult to back the Frenchman despite all the merit he has accumulated over the years. Something about his presence on the field no longer remains reassuring, and Hansi Flick may even consider moving him down the pecking order.