Lamine Yamal and Raphinha have achieved a remarkable feat for Barcelona as no duo has managed it in over 70 years. The team is set to face Racing Santander on Wednesday night, aiming for a sixth consecutive win, which would mark their best-ever start to a league campaign.
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Barcelona currently leads LaLiga, boasting a perfect record of five wins and an impressive 21 goals scored, averaging 4.2 per game, while conceding only four. A victory against Racing Santander, who are positioned 10th, could solidify their dominance at the top of the table.
Raphinha and Yamal have started the season in outstanding form, becoming the first Barcelona players since the 1955/56 season to score at least six goals each in their opening five LaLiga matches. Together, they have contributed to an impressive 15 goals in this span.
Head coach Hansi Flick has successfully utilized Raphinha in an unconventional centre-forward role, while Anthony Gordon, a recent £69.3 million signing from Newcastle United, has seamlessly integrated into the squad on the left flank. Gordon made history earlier this month by being only the third player this century to achieve four assists in his first four LaLiga matches.
Barcelona's attacking trio has made them Europe's deadliest team, outscoring rivals like Real Madrid, who have 17 goals. Additionally, the signings of Karim Adeyemi and Gabriel Jesus have provided the Catalan side with greater unpredictability in their offensive play.
Despite ambitions to recruit a world-class striker earlier in the transfer window, including attempts to sign Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid, the combination of talent within the current forward line has proven effective. The absence of a marquee striker may have inadvertently benefited Barcelona’s tactical flexibility and success this season.