The perception in England is that of course a club like Real Madrid would do anything to win, but people are shocked that Barcelona are degrading themselves like this.
You can't bleat about UEFA corruption while supporting a "Super League" alternative that is literally being forced into existence against the will of most fans by a load of oligarchs for the sole purpose of maximising profit for the few.
I think the gap will need to be bigger than they by the New Year in order for another team to hold the lead against City in the home straight. They become a machine at that time of the season.