There was a lot to like in the attacking shape.
Raphinha’s role mattered as much as his finishing. He appeared to lead the line aggressively before drifting wider later in the game, a notable tactical call at the start of the season. With Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres no longer around, and Barcelona having reportedly missed out on other attacking targets, Flick may need his captain to be more than a winger this season.
For all the goals, Gavi’s first-half exit is the image that will linger. Reports say he went straight down the tunnel and looked distraught, which is why the result immediately felt secondary.
That concern is easy to understand. Gavi has already endured major injury disruption in recent seasons, so any early setback will be treated carefully. Barcelona have midfield options, and Pedri came on, but Gavi brings edge, pressing and tempo that few teams can replace like-for-like.
The scoreline also underlined something important: Barcelona had different sources of threat. Anthony Gordon reportedly made an instant impact from the bench, and the late surge showed a side capable of turning control into a rout.
That balance will matter if Gavi is forced out. Barcelona have started fast, but the next update on their midfielder now feels bigger than the result itself. The next fixture will bring another chance to build momentum - and another anxious wait for the team sheet.