This Barcelona side are something else Barcelona Improvements in the last month

The season's second International break has arrived with Barcelona in a much calmer position than the last, at least on the pitch.

Barcelona have gotten back to themselves, though the picture behind the scenes is still a little up in the air.

In the fight

The Catalans are showing themselves again. They're second only to Real Madrid and have collected 12 points from the last 15 on offer, showing that they're ready to compete.

The Champions League

They've emerged unscathed in Europe, drawing at Borussia Dortmund before coming from behind to beat Inter. With four points out of six, they've done well.

Lionel Messi

Their No.10 and captain is back to fitness and terrorising teams as though he was never out. He shone against Inter and scored against Sevilla. The break will help him be ready for the Clasico on October 26.

Luis Suarez

The No.9 always starts the season out of shape, but it seems as though that's already been overcome this time around. He's dragged them through trouble in recent matches with some big goals.

Arturo Vidal

Vidal is back in the team and the Chilean has shown how important he is to the side. Ernesto Valverde has gone back to him and he's repaid his coach's faith.

Their goalkeeper

Marc-Andre Ter Stegen has been a phenomenon. He's on his way to another top season, making big saves in pretty much every game.

Arthur Melo and Frenkie de Jong

They've improved in midfield together, both now seeming undroppable.

The injuries

Little by little, the treatment tables are freeing up again. Most of those out will be back after the break, and only Samuel Umtiti is likely to still be sidelined, but they'll hope to have him back for the Clasico.