El Clasico: Aubameyang's form gives Barcelona hope of ending Real Madrid's dominance

From pariah to vital component, what an incredible seven weeks it has been since Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang swapped Arsenal for life in Barcelona.

The Gabon superstar has scored seven times in 10 appearances for Xavi’s side since opening his account for the club in February, scoring a hat-trick in the Blaugrana’s 4-1 win at Valencia.

Owing to the doubts that surrounded the striker’s switch, many wondered if he was a fit for Barca's wider approach.

Perhaps this was understandable. The La Liga giants seemingly did not consider Auba a primary January target, instead initially preferring Alvaro Morata to add the necessary fire-power that was absent in their attack.

Throw in the scepticism over the forward’s suitability for Xavi’s possession-heavy system and those doubts were probably justified.

Having previously stated the ex-Arsenal man could not flourish at Camp Nou, the Barca boss may not have foreseen the ongoing relationship between the pair.

“Aubameyang will kill you in open space,” Xavi stated in 2020. “But Barcelona need players who know how to move in small spaces. It’s not easy to think of players who have adapted well to Barca. Samuel Eto’o was perfect, as is Luis Suarez right now.”

Following a strong showing in last week’s 4-0 victory over Osasuna, the club legend could not hide his satisfaction with the marksman who has taken to life in Spain like a duck to water.

“Auba has been a gift from heaven,” Xavi said after the resounding win. “He is a positive player, he has come into the dressing room very well, he adapts well to the team, he creates scoring chances, he scores, he presses, he is a privilege to train.”

Aubameyang’s last league goal took him to five in La Liga in six appearances (four starts), one more