Lamine Yamal shines as Barcelona cruise past Girona

Five games, five victories, and the last in emphatic fashion. There is a solid leader in LaLiga, and it seems they're here to stay.

This Barcelona team, under Hansi Flick, is starting to instill fear in its rivals with beautiful football, showcasing improvements in defense, powerful attacking play, and a pressing style reminiscent of the team's glory days under Messi.

Barcelona hasn't started a LaLiga season with five consecutive wins since 2017-18. This excellent start has been highlighted by Lamine Yamal, not only for his double against Girona, but for his potential to make history if injuries don't hold him back.

It's important to remember the fate of Ansu Fati after his injury. Girona, a team bound for the Champions League, was completely overwhelmed by a Barcelona team looking for revenge after suffering defeats against them last season. Barcelona scored four but could have easily had more.

Girona, especially at Montilivi, was considered the first real test of Barcelona's potential under Flick.

After winning their first four matches, Barcelona came into this Catalan derby in better form than last season, when they were thrashed by Michel's side in both encounters. Xavi will surely have those matches imprinted in his memory.

However, this Barcelona is different-physically stronger and more secure in defense. Their improved fitness is evident in their pressing, which choked Girona, a team that usually enjoys possession.

Girona, preparing for their Champions League debut on Wednesday, only threatened through quick bursts from Bryan Gil. Miguel Gutiérrez's shot after 18 minutes was their first notable chance.

Barcelona, comfortable both with and without the ball, gradually increased their threat on Gazzaniga's goal, with shots from Balde and Koundé narrowly missing the target.

The visitors' pressure paid off after half an hour when David López lost the ball while trying to play out from the back, gifting Lamine Yamal a one-on-one with Gazzaniga that he calmly converted.

The young Spanish international, playing at a higher level than expected, sealed the game just seven minutes later with a precise finish from a freekick rebound.

Barcelona's dominance in the first half was overwhelming, but Girona had a chance to get back into the match in the final two minutes. First, Bryan Gil's point-blank shot forced a stunning save from Ter Stegen, and then a handball by Iñigo Martínez led to a penalty. However, VAR overturned the decision, sparking protests from Girona's fans.

No chance of a Girona comeback

If there were any hopes of a Girona comeback, Dani Olmo dashed them two minutes into the second half with a right-footed strike that beat Gazzaniga at his near post.

Olmo's signing has been crucial in reenergizing Barcelona's attack, and this marked his third consecutive match finding the back of the net. His goal deflated Girona, and with a 0-3 scoreline, it seemed impossible for Míchel's side to mount any resistance.

Pedri rounded off his superb performance by scoring the fourth goal after a Casadó assist. With 30 minutes still to play, Girona struggled to make an impact. A shot from Tsygankov that grazed the post was their best opportunity.

Barcelona continued to dominate, and Lewandowski came close to scoring a fifth. Flick made substitutions to rest key players ahead of Thursday's match in Monaco, and Girona took advantage by scoring a consolation goal through Stuani, assisted by Portu-two of Míchel's substitutes.

In the end, Barcelona comfortably won the match, further solidifying their intentions to compete for all titles this season. Their next test will be Thursday in their Champions League debut.