Barcelona Equal Real Madrid's Liga Record

Barcelona secured a 5-2 victory over Real Betis on October 17, 2026, at La Cartuja, equaling Real Madrid’s 1968 record of nine consecutive La Liga wins to start a season. Following the match, manager Hansi Flick hailed 19-year-old Lamine Yamal as the best player in the world.

Barcelona Equals Real Madrid Record

Barcelona maintained their flawless domestic campaign by routing Real Betis 5-2 at La Cartuja stadium in Seville. The victory pushed the Catalan club to five points clear at the top of the table ahead of second-placed Atletico Madrid.

🚨🗣️ Hansi Flick on how to manage Lamine Yamal's minutes:"It's not easy to answer this question, because Lamine is an exceptional player. I am fully aware that we have to manage his minutes carefully, but the most important thing for him is that he enjoys playing football."… pic.twitter.com/9VtVXnHBu7

— https://x.com/TouchlineX/status/2111062868024045709

The win marks Barcelona’s ninth straight league victory to open the 2026-27 season. According to statistician Mister Chip, Flick’s squad joins an elite club, equaling Real Madrid’s 1968-69 record as the only teams in La Liga history to win their opening nine matches.

Yamal opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a sharp turn on the edge of the box past Facundo Bernal before curling a strike into the top corner. Betis equalized before the half-hour mark through Valentin Gomez, but Rodri restored the visitors’ lead with a header from a corner kick. Gabriel Jesus extended the advantage early in the second half from Yamal’s cut-back. Ez Abde pulled one back for Betis before Bernal received a red card for a headbutt on Yamal. Eric Garcia and Dani Olmo added late goals to seal the result.

Just a reminder that Mister Hansi Flick’s Barça have equalled the best start to a La Liga season in history, and we want to surpass it next week. pic.twitter.com/KMuzO9tHOL

— https://x.com/FCBarcelona/status/2111528923058368747

Hansi Flick Crowns Lamine Yamal

Manager Hansi Flick offered high praise for his teenage winger after the final whistle, stating unequivocally that the 19-year-old is operating at the peak of the sport.

Lamine today, when you see the first goal he scored, unbelievable, this is for me, at the moment the best player in the world.

Hansi Flick, Barcelona coach via Thedailystar

Yamal reached 14 direct goal contributions in nine league matches—comprising eight goals and six assists—following his goal and assist against Betis. That tally sets a record for an under-20 player in the first nine rounds of a La Liga season, surpassing the previous mark of 11 contributions shared by Jose Iraragorri in 1930, Jaime Lazcano in 1928, and Victorio Unamuno in 1928.

Barcelona Equal Real Madrid's Liga Record — Photo: Sports Illustrated

Flick acknowledged the heavy demands placed on the young forward while discussing his decision to substitute him during the second half.

With this result, we have to change him. I [told him] I’m very proud of him because he played a fantastic game.

Hansi Flick, Barcelona coach via Thedailystar

Barcelona Faces Injury Concerns Ahead of Paris

The squad travels immediately to France for a UEFA Champions League fixture against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at the Parc des Princes. That European clash is followed by the first El Clasico of the season against Real Madrid at Camp Nou on October 25.

🔄 Canvi al Barça (70') ↑🟢 Raphinha ↓🔴 Lamine Yamal #BetisBarça pic.twitter.com/VPdOjaMnFi

— https://x.com/FCBarcelona_cat/status/2111519946505347526

Defender Eric Garcia left the pitch against Betis feeling pain after falling near the touchline, though Flick noted it appeared to be just a knock. Gerard Martin also finished the match with physical problems, and Jules Kounde was feeling unwell, adding defensive headaches ahead of the continental test.

Whether Garcia and Martin will be fit to start against Paris Saint-Germain on October 20, 2026, has not been answered.