They have already scored 55 goals in LaLiga and the Champions League, an average of over 3.4 per game, and Flick says they are driven by the players’ love of competition.

“The performances are really good,” said Flick in his press conference after the game. “I really enjoy the team and I think the results speak their own language.”

“What we do, really focused in every game, you can see that. (The players) are making good progress with the game plan we have. You see it on the pitch and that’s good to see.”

“I hope (we can keep it up) – definitely we have the confidence. Not just because of this game, but because of the entire season we have played (so far).”

“The team is doing great because they enjoy playing football and enjoy competing against any team. The best of the best, they are happy to compete against any team. We want to stay (in this form) for some time and we are working hard for it.”

It is the first time since 2011/12 that Barça have scored three or more goals in three consecutive Champions League games, while the last time they have scored three or more goals in seven consecutive games in all competitions was in the year 2017 was.

Most of the team’s goals were scored by Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha. The duo scored both goals in the win in Belgrade, Barça’s third win in four European games this season.

Lewandowski scored twice after Silas canceled out Iñigo Martínez’s opener. Raphinha and Fermín López made the game decisive before Milson scored the late goal for the home team.

The goals were Lewandowski’s 18th and 19th this season and his 98th and 99th in the Champions League. Only Cristiano Ronaldo (140) and Lionel Messi (129) have scored more goals.

“If I knew beforehand, maybe I wouldn’t change him,” Flick joked when asked if he would replace Lewandowski in the second half as the Polish striker moved closer to his 100th goal in the competition.

“But we also have to think about the next LaLiga game on Sunday against Real Sociedad. Today he scored two really important goals. The first goal, the 2-1, was particularly important for us.”

Defender Jules Koundé also shone in the win and, as a right-back, provided the assists for three of the five goals.

“He is a good example for the whole team,” said Flick about the France international. “We have a lot of players who have improved a lot this season, they are improving their performance and Jules is an absolute professional player.”

“He is very focused on the pitch and in training. I appreciate that. It’s really nice to see that he scored the last pass to the goal today.”

The three points that took Barça into the top eight of the new Champions League table were slightly marred by a nasty cut on central defender Pau Cubarsí’s face in the second half.

However, Flick played down the incident and suggested that the 17-year-old would be fit La Real on the weekend.

“Pau has a cut, but he’s fine,” said Flick. “He’s fine. It took a few stitches, but he’s fine. He’s laughing, so it’s okay.”