Levante stole the limelight against Barcelona by scoring two goals in the first half, showing their dominance. The Spanish champions were on the back foot, trailing by double the margin. However, they were ahead in every other way. In the second half, the Catalans were back in the game through Pedri and Ferran Torres. And the winning goal came from Levante’s own goal by Unai Eljezaval.
Hansi Flick’s men won 3-2 at home on Saturday night. The hosts of this match, Levante, returned to La Liga after three years. After losing 2-1 to Alaves in the first match, the Valencia club surprised Barcelona by taking a double lead at the beginning. However, Barcelona had 83 percent possession throughout the match and took 26 shots. Of these, 10 were on target. In contrast, Levante had 5 of the 8 shots on target.
Barca increased the attack from the start, pressing the hosts. In the midst of their busy defense, Levante took the lead in the match in the 15th minute with a counterattack. The high ball went to Ivan Romero through Jeremy, who beat one of them and put the ball in the net. Despite the continued attack, the Catalans were unable to finish. Torres wasted two chances to equalize in the 27th and 37th minutes. A shot by Lamine Yamal also went into the goalkeeper’s hands.
Barcelona could have scored a second goal in the 42nd minute. Levante’s free-kick narrowly went over the head post. Similarly, a header by Rafinha also went wide, giving Barca disappointment. Levante was awarded a penalty in the first half’s added time when Balde touched the ball in the box. However, there are questions about the decision given after seeing the VAR. Then, Morales Nogales doubled the hosts’ lead with a spot-kick. Barca, who went into the break frustrated, reduced the deficit in the second half. Pedri got on the scoresheet with a bullet-speed shot in the 49th minute after receiving a pass from Yamal.
Barca equalized three minutes later. Torres scored the second goal with a great volley from Rafinha’s corner. In the 13th minute, the Levante goalkeeper blocked Eric Garcia and Torres’ headers. Similarly, he also disappointed Dani Olmo’s low shot. Barcelona attacked with more speed towards the end. Robert Lewandowski and Julen Kundera were desperate to take the lead. However, their disappointment was erased by an own goal by the Levante defender in added time.
Defending champions Barca are at the top of the La Liga points table after winning their first two matches of the season. They will face Rayo Vallecano in their next match on Sunday night.
FAQ
Who scored the goals for Barcelona in the match against Levante?
Pedri and Ferran Torres scored for Barcelona, while the winning goal came from an own goal by Levante defender Unai Eljezaval.
How did Levante take the lead against Barcelona?
Levante shocked Barcelona by scoring twice in the first half – Ivan Romero netted the opener, and Morales Nogales converted a penalty.
What was the turning point of the match?
Barcelona’s comeback began early in the second half when Pedri and Torres scored in quick succession, leveling the score before the late own goal sealed victory.
How dominant were Barcelona despite going behind?
Barcelona had 83% possession and 26 total shots (10 on target), while Levante had only 8 shots, with 5 on target.
