In a season which began with low expectations following a dismal performance against Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup, Barcelona suddenly find themselves in an envious position.
The Blaugranes sit five points atop La Liga, have booked their place in the final of the Copa del Rey and return to the Camp Nou for the second leg of their Champions League tie with an away goal in their back pocket after Lionel Messi finally broke his scoring duck against Chelsea.
It has been a year full of pleasant surprises for Barcelona, none more pleasing than how quickly Ernesto Valverde has changed around the fortunes of the club in his first year in charge.