Barcelona continued its fast start of the season with a 3-1 win Tuesday over Ajax Amsterdam in the Champions League.

For the Spanish side, the win was huge as the team lost 3-2 in its previous Champions League game against Paris Saint-Germain and many wondered if that loss flashed the first signs of Barcelona's weakening form.

The team has not lost since that day and looks intent on ensuring its status as the top side in the group with the victory. Barcelona is still in second place in the group, but has shown its ability to overcome adversity with this win. Here are some major points from Barcelona's victory:

Messi is Messi

This is not anything new. Lionel Messi is a tremendous player and when he is at his best, the team is virtually unbeatable. And he was at his best against Ajax.

Heading into the game, Messi was three goals behind Raul for the record of highest scorer in the Champions League. While there is no doubt he will eclipse that record, there were many wondering if Messi would pull off the feat in front of the home fans. And he certainly looked like a man on a mission. Messi had five shots throughout the game, but only one was on target. And he made it count. The superstar got a wondrous pass from Andres Iniesta and found himself one-on-one with Jasper Cillessen. He had some luck from the post, but continued his terrific scoring pace on the year. He now has nine goals on the year for Blaugrana.

But he did not only score. He continued to prove to the world that he is capable of being a selfless player and that he and Neymar are arguably the greatest attacking duo in the world.

Early on in the game, Messi found a streaking Neymar on the left of the box. He put a perfect pass through for his teammate and Neymar made no mistake. He scored his 10th goal of the year for the team.

The synergy between these two is undeniable and it could develop into a lot more if Luis Suarez fits in well.

Messi finished the night with only 46 touches, emphasizing just how effective he was on the night.

Rakitic, Iniesta Midfield Are Dominant

Ivan Rakitic and Andres Iniesta are working beautifully together in the middle of the park. Combined, the two averaged a passing success rate of 94 percent. Rakitic is not only strong with the ball on his feet, but he is unafraid to make long passes, something the team never actually had in previous iterations. Iniesta, meanwhile, is in the form of his life. His assist on Messi's goal was an example of astounding vision.

Defense Is Still a Problem

Barcelona has yet to concede a goal in the Spanish League. But the team has now conceded in two straight Champions League matches. The goal conceded in this match was the result of a wild scramble in front of Barcelona's net that showcased the team as disorganized and nervous. This is something that has not been present in the Spanish league. Then again, the team has yet to take on a top side in that league.

Ajax is not one of the bet teams in the world, but the Dutch side is skilled enough to take the game to Barcelona when necessary. And that is exactly what Ajax did in the lead-up to the goal. It exposed Barcelona's defensive frailty, something that could cause the team grief this weekend when it faces off against Real Madrid.

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