That’s more like it!
The first 45 minutes especially against Atletico Madrid, was easily the best that Barca have played in the 2023-24 campaign.
If we want to be hyper-critical, the only real concern before the break was the inability to put away a plethora of decent chances.
Now is not the time to moan and groan however.
Atleti were the form team in La Liga heading into this match, and, aside from the final 15-20 minutes or so, they were well beaten.
The urgency, desire and intensity that Xavi has been calling for was in evidence, and it showed that Barca can still be a brilliant footballing side when everything just ‘clicks.