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Barcelona flying high without Neymar while Real Madrid trying to shake off the rust

Related Topics: Neymar Jr, Barcelona, Real Madrid FC

We aren't even a fifth of the way through the season, but Barcelona is already in complete control of La Liga. A fantastic, perfect start to the season -- which wasn't expected after Neymar's departure to PSG -- sees the team with 18 points and six wins in six games, with the latest coming on Saturday in a 3-0 win at Girona. Lionel Messi is the league's top scorer with 11 goals, and the team has been red-hot and boosted by Paulinho, while also getting some help with two own goals in its latest win.

Real Madrid picked up a 2-1 win over Deportivo Alaves on Saturday but has already surprisingly dropped seven points so far this season and is seven points behind Barca.