Raphinha and Yamal shine as Vinícius fades behind the curtain
Seven rounds of the Spanish league are in the books, and they have already reshaped the competitive landscape with intense drama and striking tactical shifts.
Barcelona sit top and untouchable, riding a sweeping attacking ferocity and a flawless start. Real Madrid, meanwhile, are gripped by deep concern after a run of shaky displays and a heavy bleed of points, particularly on the road.
Down at the other end, the season has been no gentler. The scrap for survival flared up early among the clubs at the bottom, who find themselves in a fraught fight to climb out of the relegation zone amid tight points margins and awkward fixtures.
Barcelona have produced a historic start across the first seven rounds. Seven wins from seven have delivered a perfect 21 points, and the attacking power behind it has been formidable.
Three points alone have not satisfied the Blaugrana. They have racked up 31 goals through wide-ranging displays, the biggest of which was a crushing 7-2 win over Racing Santander.
Tactical stability drives this brilliance, along with the sustained high press the team exerts. It has confounded every rival and left ...