De Jong

We understand that it’s no longer El Clasico of Mourinho and Guardiola, or that of Cristiano and Messi, but it is still a spectacle capable of satisfying the worldwide expectation it generates...

Xavi has been handed control of transfers as part of Barcelona's overhaul and Dani Alves' return is further evidence of his total power at Camp Nou.

Zero points, zero goals scored, six conceded. That's how Barça sit in their Champions League group, one which feels like it was created to torture them.

The Spanish version of "it is what it is" originated in Cádiz, when a former club president examined his squad. Barcelona are now in the same boat.