Barcelona this last month have been devasting, but I think most of that seems to be due to Ronaldinho performing at his top-level which I believe is for the first time since the 2003-04 season. Maybe he's warming up for the World Cup?
The other improvement has been defensively over the last month. But to put into context their performance so far this season, out of all the top-sides which ironically are all defending champions - they are the anomoly. Chelsea, Juventus, Bayern and Lyon are all leading emphatically with a major points haul so far. Some even have pretty fierce challengers and are showing their incredibly strength by still remaining ahead. Barcelona on the other hand have no real opposition and only recently appeared at the top of the table. I still feel Real have a stronger squad so La Liga is not a foregone conclusion and Barca will probably win by default more than greatness maybe, which is a shame.
But this does open the doorway to a CL victory, perhaps? I believe a team cannot win their major domestic title and CL in the same year or at the same intensity. Milan of last year are a great example. Barca were the best team in Europe last season - but the best side seldom wins, always a year out of sync often; Milan in 2003 (best in 2004) even Real winning in 2000 and 2002 when they had a better balanced side in 2001 which was the year they captured La Liga instead.
Sure when Barca play that breath-taking football hardly any team compares, but I rate top-to-bottom football coupled with organisation and effectiveness; Bayern a better side this year. Once Juve, Chelsea and even Milan with their relative tactical superiority to Barca the lines become much more blurred.
Lastly, Rijkaard I appreciate his style of modern-management with expression. But some of his decisions do surprise me; signing Van Bommel and using him as alternative to Deco or Xavi and insisting on pole in midfield. Also, his use of Messi is worrying too - ushering him into side in crucial matches because of Guily's poor form could be a mistake. Still think he would be better off the bench and used in easy home matches at Nou Camp instead off big-matches.
But then who cares? When Barca and Ronaldinho play like last night - FOOTBALL is the only winner.