Barcelona ‘Near-Perfect’ yet Still Missing a No.9: The Camp Nou Test and Moussa’s €40m Transfer Shock

After just four matchdays, Barcelona have produced one of their most explosive attacking starts in decades. With 12 points, 17 goals scored and only two conceded, Dutch media have labelled them “near-perfect” and warned Feyenoord ahead of the Champions League meeting at Camp Nou. But behind the dazzling numbers remains a structural weakness: Barcelona still do not have a classic centre-forward. The last time Barcelona scored more goals after four rounds was in the 2026-50 season (19 goals) and 2026-51 (21 goals). The current start is historic, yet it is also a small sample. Maintaining an average of 4.25 goals per match over a whole season is almost impossible, even for champions. The true test will come when opponents defend deep and deny space. The failed pursuit of Julian Alvarez exposed the squad’s imbalance. Without a traditional No.9, Barcelona rely on false-nine rotations and wide forwards. That can dismantle open sides, but Feyenoord are likely to defend compactly and counter-attack. If Barcelona cannot score early, they may struggle to break down a disciplined low block. Feyenoord arrive with their own drama. Anis Hadj Moussa came close to becoming the club’s most expensive sale ever at €40 million, with Al-Ittihad. The Saudi transfer window closed before the deal could be completed. Losing that revenue is painful, but keeping a player of Moussa’s quality strengthens Feyenoord’s Champions League ambitions. He trained normally and will travel with the squad, showing professionalism after the collapse. The match will test whether Barcelona’s attacking machine is sustainable or merely a product of weak early opponents. Feyenoord have nothing to lose and can play without pressure. Moussa’s pace could hurt Barcelona’s high line, while the Catalan side’s lack of a penalty-box striker might become the main talking point. Barcelona need to prove they are not just “near-perfect” on paper, but ready to adapt when the room for beautiful football disappears.