Barcelona legend senses something brewing at Camp Nou; only one European giant can keep up | OneFootball

FC Barcelona’s start to the 2026-27 campaign has created a feeling of optimism around the club and it’s supporters. Hansi Flick’s side are playing with intensity, confidence, and perhaps the desire to take their game to the next level.

There is also a freshness around this Blaugrana side that is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. The young guns are taking charge and the older players are responding in kind. As things stand, Barcelona look like a side that is increasingly comfortable with setting the rhythm rather than adapting to whatever is thrown at them.

This feeling has now been echoed by a former Barcelona hero, Carles Rexach, who believes that the La Liga holders are currently in a league of their own as far as their domestic peers including Real Madrid are concerned. Speaking on the occasion of the premiere of the documentary Running is for Cowards, Rexach offered a glowing assessment of Flick’s side via Mundo Deportivo.

“Looking at it objectively and without bias, Barca is currently on a different level than the rest of the Spanish teams.”

European rivals seen as the lone challenge

Rexach went on to add that there is one European side who could prove to be a thorn in Barcelona’s side- Paris Saint-Germain. The Blaugrana have a history of some memorable games against the current European holders, who despite their rather poor start to the season remain a force to be reckoned with under Luis Enrique.

Rexach’s reasoning was not based only on quality with the ball as he highlighted the speed, work-rate and belief running through this young Barcelona squad. He believes that youth also removes some of the fear that can develop with experience.

Barcelona’s youngsters appear willing to make mistakes, recover and demand the ball again, a mentality that has certainly become one of Flick’s biggest assets at the Camp Nou.

Rexach also looked ahead to what could become an important period in the title race, particularly with Barcelona holding an early advantage over Real Madrid and another Clasico approaching. The season is still young, so nobody inside Barca will want to get carried away.

Yet Rexach’s comments capture the growing sense around the club perfectly at the moment. Barcelona are not merely starting well but are playing with speed, confidence and conviction. As things stand right now, most of Spain appears to be trying to catch them.