Barca Betis was an exhibition of Champagne Football mesmerising supporters and neutrals alike . Culers, a a few quick thoughts from the high of last night at the Montjuic!! 🧵👇

Fluid 4-2-3-1 with F. De Jong (#21) as the midfield anchor. Yamal (#19) & Raphinha (#11) providing width while Gavi (#6) operated in the half-spaces behind Dani Olmo (#20) who played a false 9. Barca rolled back the years with an entirely new cast #FCB #HansiBall

Flick's Barça build-up! De Jong (#21) as the circulation hub, heavy left-side bias (50% play). Strong triangle between Cubarsí (#2), Gerard Martin (#35) & midfield. Peña (#13) actively involved in first phase. Interesting split of zones: 28% left, 50% central, 22% right. Heavy emphasis on progressive passing through the middle third.

De Jong (90) & Pedri (69) running the show for Flick's Barça! Cubarsí (75) showing incredible maturity as always - Strong chemistry between De Jong and Pedri . Araújo's 51 touches show aggressive CB positioning while Olmo's 46 unveiled his mastery as a False 9 and another trick that Barca will certainly use a lot more in the season

It's not that Lamine Yamal is probably the world's best player ATM. He is also incredibly good in recoveries as well. With (15 duels) he was absolutely COOKING on that right flank! Pisco Rodríguez (25 duels) was the main battle zone - intense midfield warfare with Gavi (12 duels) . Gerard Martin & Koundé (14 duels each) showing defensive steel vs Betis' wide threats

📊 xG THREAD: Barça (2.88) vs Betis (1.51) - Flick's Barca are a chance creating machine. Raphinha (1.08 xG) TERRORISING that right side before coming off. Betis ramped up late (1.14 2H xG) but Barça controlled early doors (1.61 1H xG). Pau Victor (0.38 xG) instant impact off bench!. This could have been a 8-1.

PURE CRUYFFIAN bragging rights with 88% accuracy Consistency across both halves while Betis struggled early (77% ➡️ 82%). That 15-min spell where Betis hit 85% had Flick FUMING but Barça stayed composed. Look at the final 15 mins - Barça peaking at 91% when it mattered the most! Elite press-resistance

First half superiority (54%) shows Flick's press working but 2H fatigue evident (50-50). That min 61-75 dip is not the first time. Flick's gameplay can win Barca all the honours but they will need legs deep into the season. Rotations will be key

Barça averaging 1 attack every 2 mins (0.47) Flick's men kept RELENTLESS pace across both halves with no dropoff! That early Betis withdrawal from 0.40 ➡️ 0.20 tells the story. Elite pressing destroying rhythm from min 15 - min 75 . #BarcaBetis

Barça's dominance painted in numbers - 2.88 xG, 88% pass accuracy, and suffocating 0.47 attacks/min. Strangled Betis to 0.20 attacks/min for 60mins straight. This was pure exhibition football and when in this flow, Barca is the most entertaining football team in the world ATM. But it's young team. Let's hope we win some titles this year. Visca El Barca!