Former Barcelona captain Gerard Piqué believes Barça enter the 2026/27 season with a clear advantage over their biggest rivals, Real Madrid.
Speaking about the balance of power in Spanish football, the Blaugrana legend pointed to Barcelona's recent domestic dominance, the continuity of Hansi Flick's project and the stability within the squad as the main reasons why he considers the Catalan club the team to beat.
According to Piqué, success over the last two seasons has earned Barcelona the right to start the new campaign as favorites—but only if they continue proving it on the pitch.
> "For me, Barcelona are still ahead of Real Madrid."
TWO LA LIGA TITLES HAVE CHANGED THE MENTALITY
Piqué highlighted Barcelona's back-to-back La Liga triumphs as one of the biggest reasons behind his confidence.
> "Winning the last two La Liga titles gives you a status and momentum that make you the favorites going into the new season, but you still have to prove it on the pitch."
Success naturally builds confidence inside the dressing room. Consecutive league titles have allowed Barcelona to establish themselves as Spain's most consistent side, creating a winning mentality that every championship-winning team needs.
However, Piqué also warned that previous achievements alone guarantee nothing. Every season starts from zero, and Barcelona must once again demonstrate why they deserve to remain at the top.
HANSI FLICK'S PROJECT IS NOW FULLY ESTABLISHED
Another key factor behind Piqué's optimism is the continuity of Hansi Flick.
After two successful seasons in charge, the German coach now enters his third campaign, giving him something every manager values: stability.
Unlike previous years, there is no major tactical transition. The players already understand exactly what Flick expects from them, allowing the team to focus on improving rather than adapting.
According to Piqué, that continuity could become one of Barcelona's biggest strengths throughout the season.
THE PLAYERS FULLY UNDERSTAND THE SYSTEM
Piqué also praised the squad's tactical development under Flick.
> "The players and the team have already adapted to this style of play. The squad is stable, Flick is entering his third season, and the players fully understand the system and the playing philosophy."
Barcelona's aggressive pressing, quick ball circulation and positional play have become second nature to the team after two years under the same coaching staff.
That familiarity reduces mistakes, improves chemistry between players and allows new signings to integrate into an already well-functioning system rather than rebuilding from scratch.
STABILITY COULD BE BARÇA'S BIGGEST WEAPON
While several European giants have undergone major changes this summer, Barcelona have largely maintained the core of the squad that has delivered success over the past two seasons.
Keeping the same dressing room leaders, coaching staff and tactical identity provides an important advantage, especially at the beginning of the campaign when many teams are still searching for consistency.
For Piqué, this continuity gives Barcelona a head start before a ball has even been kicked.
THE VERDICT: BARÇA START AS FAVORITES
Piqué concluded by explaining why he believes Barcelona hold the upper hand heading into the new season.
> "All of that gives them an advantage heading into the new campaign."
His comments reflect the growing belief that Barcelona have built a solid long-term project under Hansi Flick.
With consecutive league titles, a settled squad and players who fully understand the manager's philosophy, Barça enter the new season with confidence and momentum.
The expectations are now higher than ever.
The challenge, as Piqué himself admitted, is to prove once again on the pitch that Barcelona remain the best team in Spain.
Sources: đź“° RAC1, đź“° Mundo Deportivo, đź“° SPORT