Barcelona match record for longest unbeaten run to start La Liga campaign

Barcelona have matched a club record for the longest unbeaten stretch to start a La Liga campaign, equalling the 21-match run achieved under Pep Guardiola during the 2009-10 season.

A first-half strike from John Guidetti put Barca’s record in jeopardy at the Camp Nou on Sunday, but Luis Suarez pulled his side level in the 72nd minute before a Lionel Messi free-kick gave the Catalans a 2-1 victory.

Barca now have 18 wins and three draws in La Liga, while they managed 17 victories and four draws to open the 2009-10 campaign.

That record has made them the runaway league leaders, with Ernesto Valverde’s side sitting 11 points ahead of second-placed Atletico Madrid and 19 points clear of arch-rivals Real Madrid.

The Catalans will then look to break their club record against Espanyol next Sunday by stretching their unbeaten run in the league to start this season to 22 matches.