Neymar's world-record transfer to Paris Saint-Germain was a contributing factor to Barcelona's false start to the season, according to head coach Ernesto Valverde.
Brazil superstar Neymar completed a stunning €222million switch to PSG in August and Valverde's reign got off to an inauspicious start shortly afterwards as Real Madrid stormed to a 5-1 Supercopa de Espana triumph over their bitter rivals.
But Valverde's Barca have not tasted defeat since and are looking down from the top of La Liga after eight wins and a draw from nine matches – five points better off that reigning champions Madrid.