A shame that the best attack in the world has an average defense, an aging midlefield and an inexperienced coach.
But the best way to defend is to attack, and Barça could surprise in the near future despite Madrid proven strenght.

This attacking trio can do everything when they want to in my opinion. I won't argue about if BBC are better or MSN. But if they had defence or midfield like Real Madrid has; they would easily catch Real Madrid up. I am not saying Barcelona is far behind than Real Madrid, but I think we can all agree that Real Madrid have been better lately.
After Guardiola's gone and Puyol's retirement or Pique's unstable performance, it looked like something has gone missing in Barcelona. It's been very effectual that even the MSN trio is not enough to cover up that gap.

Lol, last year they could win everything, defeated Madrid home and away, did good against Atleti except CL 2nd leg. So no, they had lost the league to an incredible Atleti who were at 30 seconds from winning CL as well, you are talking like if we were in a Madrid domination era, that was more than just equilibrated, despite defensive weakness, so no i think you are miss judging the previous situation.
The actual one is a little different because Madrid progressed drastically by playing a very quick possession Football, they are a little stronger as team and can face different style of teams, but its the first year that things are like this.
Guardiola and Puyol are the past, 3 year ago is over now, Madrid is the best team in the world at the moment so there is no shame to be a little behind, it doesnt mean they are struggling.
With Koke-Hummells-Marquinhos in addition to the squad, we could witness a 19/20 team rating, but actually they have at least 16/20 and for instance only Bayern or Chelsea could claim to be at the same level.

I am not saying they are struggling. A struggling team can not carry a title chance to the last day in the level of a League like LaLiga. I am saying they had better days, but something has been missing after those glorious days.
Yes, those additions might really help. But instead of guessing what's gonna happen, I'd rather watch them play alongside first and then appraise.

Barcelona have an e,cellent attack and honestly BBC isn't better just more experienced together, just give Suarez a month or two to adapt and we will he SIM scoring braces and hattricks in no time.

The only thing lacking in barcacelona's midfield, is speed. They need a fast midfielder who can quickly help MSN to counter attack, hate to say it but iniesta and xavi need to be a sub and you guys need players like koke, gundogan or a player with the playing style of iniesta not much speed but an amazing dribbler.

The defence have players such as barta Montoya and alba who are young fast and have amazing potential, but just need experience.

Even though u have the transfer ban, you guys still have players on loan like defolulou( don't know the exact spelling sorry) song, Denis suarez and tello. You might struggle against teams like chelsea and bayren but don't give up, barca isn't over, they are just improving and upgrading.

Not to start an argument, but BBC > MSN.

Lol Where was BBC today, Ronaldo shooting from Mexico, Bale is good but doesnt touch the ball enough, Benzema looks tired.
Not start an argument but MSN clearly better ;) lets switch midlefield and see, i know its never gonna happen but it would have been good.

@Tiki

Where was Neymar and Messi against Valencia? That's right, it took a Sergio Busquets goal in the 90th minute to beat them.

Messi made the assist dont you remember ? a 93th winner assist that made Barça grab 3pts.
Ronaldo well apart from the early penalty gifted to him as usual, was like CASPER.

Assist? Nice one, Tiki. It seems you are as good at lying as you are at hating. There was no assist on Busquets' goal. He scored from a rebound off Diego Alves' save.

@tiki_taka One bad game? ok. BBC has more goals than all teams in Europe (top 5 leagues) other than Barca and Bayern/Chelsea don't remember which of the two.

he didn't assist Tiki, he crossed it to Neymar, who headered it, Alves saved and Busquets scored the rebound...

You are like children ffs..this post is so childish as well with the comment delibtry aimd at the BBC.
SneakySneaky this Tiki_taka real Sneaky feels like the Illuminati.

Guys. Please not again.

The best attack in the world is Falcao , Rooney and Van Persie . These Speedf*cksters can bring terror into any defense !

Too bad Barcelona has such a great attack but academy could not provide good defense and someone in midfield. Would think academy produces quality players every year like a toy factory .

BBC had too much to eat during Christmas . I am sure they will shape up .

While Barcelona and Real figuring out whose attack is the best , Bayern fans just smiling on the side .

Another handball clear penalty denied to Barça, for the 5th or 6th time this season, just give Madrid the title already.

You know because of all this arrogance Madrid fans has been showing and true colors of the club policy , I been really big supporter of Atletico and Barcelona lately . What happened to humble Madrid of two years ago ? ( well some what more modest than now )

@tiki I just have one meme for you

Arrogance from this thread? Where do you see arrogance from anyone in this thread other than you? Not one comment was arrogant until you came along bashing Madrid fans and the club.

@tiki_taka the handball wasnt intentional therefore not a penalty, plus what is he supposed to do when the ball is coming to him at lightning speed, its almost impossible to take his hand off. Remember in the Valencia game? Bales cross, t hit Valencia's defender in the hand, but it wasn't a penalty cuz it wasn't intentional. Get real Tiki

We could've had another penalty too when the second handball happened, but the ref chose to give advantage and Ronaldo missed the next shot.

Well, Sociedad becomes the first team this season to beat both Barcelona (1-0) and Real Madrid (4-2).