Just over a week and a half ago, FC Barcelona's season appeared to be on the precipice of disaster; the dressing room was in reported disarray, club legends were both leaving of their own volition and being unceremoniously booted out of the back door and the board announced their intention to effectively sign their own death warrant, declaring an early election to vote in a new president this summer. It seemed dire, and perhaps it was; yet here we are today declaring FC Barcelona as one of, if not the favourite for at least one competition this year, possibly even two, or all three. Indeed, Real Madrid have crashed back down to earth after their majestic winning streak, while Atletico Madrid -- as we proved on Sunday -- are beatable.
Indeed, just as there was a lot to be unhappy about last week, there is a lot to be content about this week; the marked improvement displayed by our star players in their demolition of the reigning La Liga champions, and now the impressive form displayed by the supporting cast, the fringe players, in this two-legged whitewash of poor Elche CF. In three matches against the Blaugrana this season, Elche have conceded 12 and failed to register a single goal of their own. Unluckily for them, another match against Barca awaits. Luis Enrique surely cannot wait.
All across the field last night there were positives. Marc-Andre ter Stegen was cool and composed in the face of what little pressure Elche managed on the Barcelona goal, while Marc Bartra and Jeremy Mathieu were decisive in the heart of defense. Sergi Roberto and Rafinha utterly dominated the midfield, while Adama Traore and Alen Halilovic displayed why the future may not be as bleak as Barcelona B's lowly league position in the Segunda might indicate.
For now, everything is looking rosy in Catalunya; the question is, how long will this harmonious feeling remain before another inevitable "crisis" rolls around?
