Barcelona’s 10-game winning run questioned after defeats by PSG and Real Madrid

Barcelona’s impressive start to the season has come under scrutiny after consecutive defeats by Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid exposed concerns about the team’s ability to perform in its biggest matches.

The Catalan club had won 10 matches in a row before suffering the setbacks within the space of a week, losing some of the momentum and attacking sparkle that had characterised their campaign.

On the French programme After Foot, broadcast by RMC Sport, Barcelona’s recent displays were described as disappointing, particularly because the team failed to produce its usual attacking threat at decisive moments despite having several players capable of changing games.

Journalist Edgar Grolier said the performances left him feeling “as though he had been misled”. He argued that Barcelona had created an exceptional impression through their attacking football and the individual quality of players including Raphinha and Lamine Yamal, but had failed to meet expectations when faced with major tests.

Daniel Riolo suggested that Barcelona’s emphatic victories and eye-catching goals may have led some observers to overestimate the team’s level. He also said the club’s style of play could make it more difficult to assess its true capabilities.

One of the main sources of concern has been the recent decline in Lamine Yamal’s influence. The winger scored against Paris Saint-Germain, but found it difficult to impose himself across the two matches after being closely monitored by Lucas Hernandez in the Champions League and then Marc Cucurella in El Clasico.

Jean-Louis Tourre said Yamal’s struggles when opponents assign a player to mark him individually could become a problem. However, he viewed that weakness as part of the youngster’s development.

The defeats have provided Barcelona with an early test of their progress, especially after the team’s strong run had generated growing expectations. Their attacking approach and individual talent had made them one of the most closely watched sides of the season, but the matches against Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid offered a different perspective.

It remains too soon to reach a final judgement on Barcelona’s campaign. They still lead La Liga and are targeting a continued run in the Champions League, leaving them with the opportunity to respond to the setbacks in the remainder of the season.