FC Barcelona returned to the top of the La Liga standings with a confident 3-0 victory over struggling Levante UD on Sunday, delivering a performance that felt like a statement after recent setbacks.
The result came shortly after title rivals Real Madrid CF suffered a 2-1 loss to CA Osasuna. That slip allowed Barcelona, coached by Hansi Flick, to move a point clear at the summit. Playing at their home ground, Camp Nou, Barcelona dominated early proceedings against a Levante side sitting deep in the relegation zone.
Barcelona had been searching for redemption after a difficult week. They had been thrashed 4-0 by Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg, followed by a 2-1 league defeat to Girona FC. Flick admitted the pressure was real, describing the period as a tough moment for the squad, but he praised his players for responding positively on match day.
The breakthrough came through young midfielder Marc Bernal, who scored after excellent build-up play involving Joao Cancelo and Eric Garcia. The goal was particularly emotional for Bernal, who is still working his way back to full fitness after a long-term knee injury that kept him out for over a year. He later said he dedicated the goal celebration to his father and his physiotherapist, who encouraged him during recovery.
Veteran striker Robert Lewandowski could have doubled the lead but missed a good chance, firing over the bar from a promising position. However, Barcelona kept pressing. Cancelo hit the post with a dangerous cross intended for Lewandowski before producing another similar delivery that allowed Frenkie de Jong to finish and give Barcelona a comfortable two-goal cushion before halftime.
Flick praised Cancelo’s creativity on the flank, saying the defender’s attacking runs and service into the box created several scoring opportunities. The coach also emphasised that he wants to see more defensive solidity, even though Levante failed to capitalise on several open spaces in Barcelona’s backline.
The final goal arrived in spectacular fashion when substitute Fermin Lopez unleashed a powerful long-range strike that crashed in off the post. Levante goalkeeper Mathew Ryan produced several excellent saves afterward, including stops to deny Lopez and forward Raphinha.
The win also allowed Barcelona to rotate players, with midfielder Pedri returning as a substitute after recovering from a hamstring injury. His return is expected to strengthen Barcelona’s midfield options during the busy stretch of the season.
For Levante, the defeat leaves them seven points away from safety as they continue their fight to avoid relegation. Midfielder Carlos Alvarez admitted his side had chances early in the match but failed to convert them, which ultimately allowed Barcelona to control the game.
Elsewhere in the league, Sevilla FC secured a narrow 1-0 win over Getafe CF, while Villarreal CF were also in action against Valencia CF later in the round.
