Barca takes on history and targets a unique record

FC Barcelona

Barcelona have started the season at a pace that threatens to change LaLiga's historical records. The win against Betis at La Cartuja allowed the Blaugrana side to reach nine consecutive victories and surpass a benchmark that had been in place at the club for more than a decade.

The 2013-2014 team, coached by Gerardo 'Tata' Martino, had set the previous Blaugrana record with eight wins in the first eight league matchdays. That run ended on the ninth matchday, when Barça drew 0-0 with Osasuna.

Another goals record

Barcelona have also matched the historical record for best goal difference after the first nine league matchdays. The Blaugrana side have scored 39 and conceded just 9, giving them a record of +30, the same figure the Real Madrid of the 1987-1988 season reached, when they scored 32 goals and conceded 2.

The Ye-Ye Madrid

The Blaugrana side have gone one step further. Their win over Betis not only allows them to sign the best league start in their own history, but also places them alongside one of the competition's great benchmarks. The Real Madrid of the 1968-1969 season, known as the 'ye-ye' team, were until now the only side to have won their first nine league matches. More than half a century later, Barcelona have matched that mark and have the chance to move past it.

Next Sunday, the Barca will face Real Madrid in the Clasico with the chance to reach ten wins in the first ten matchdays. If they do it, they will set a new historical record in Spanish football and secure an unprecedented start to the league.

The challenge adds extra spice to a clash that already commands much of the attention of Spanish and world football. Barcelona arrive with the chance to turn their great start into a piece of history, but to achieve it they will have to overcome their eternal rivals in one of the most demanding matches of the season.