Barcelona are back to being someone again in Europe

Napoli aren’t just any team. A few days ago they could have gone top of Serie A and they were the big team in the Europa League play-off draw. They drew Barca and maybe a few weeks ago they’d have had a chance, but Xavi’s side have undergone a brutal metamorphosis which has got them playing at a spectacular level. It was an exhibition in Italy. The best game of a season in a tough place to go and a bang on the table that shows Barcelona are someone again in the world of football. Xavi, and the quality signings, have achieved a miracle.

It was the perfect game. They won and enjoyed it. And the most important thing is that Barcelona were able to play in a style that recalled previous eras, and almost for the whole 90 minutes. Possession, pressure, attitude, precision and efficiency. Xavi has had a lot to do with changing the team’s mentality, but it’s also obvious that the signings have helped too. It’s not the same playing with Aubameyang up front as with Luuk de Jong. Or Ferran Torres, instead of Memphis, with all respect. This is a team that can compete to win anything they want.

The Europa League can be a nightmare or a hope. There’s no doubt that UCL elimination stung but Barcelona had to stand up in Italy and be counted if they want to win this trophy. Xavi had made it clear he does, and Barcelona are the team to beat now. In a week, just a week, more has been done than in two years. This is another Barça, and maybe this season will not be just a transition year, because something could be won.