Barcelona: FC Barcelona returned to the summit of La Liga with a polished 3-0 victory over struggling Levante UD, capitalising on rivals Real Madrid’s slip-up against CA Osasuna to move one point clear at the top.
After recent setbacks against Atlético Madrid and Girona FC, Barça responded in emphatic fashion at the Camp Nou, producing a dominant display under coach Hansi Flick.
The hosts struck early, with teenage midfielder Marc Bernal opening the scoring in the fourth minute. A cleverly worked short corner routine saw Eric García and João Cancelo combine neatly before Bernal darted in front of his marker to finish first time, setting the tone for a confident evening.
Barcelona doubled their advantage in the 32nd minute through Frenkie de Jong, who ended a year-long goal drought. The Dutch midfielder ghosted into space to convert Cancelo’s inviting cross after slick build-up play involving Lamine Yamal.
It was De Jong’s first goal since January 2025, and his composed finish reflected Barcelona’s growing control.
Levante had fleeting moments, with Carlos Álvarez testing goalkeeper Joan García early on, but they struggled to penetrate Barça’s organised backline. The home side continued to press after the break, with Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo forcing saves as the pressure mounted.
Flick introduced fresh legs midway through the second half, sending on Fermín López, Ferran Torres and Pedri — a move that further tilted the contest.
López capped the performance with a moment of brilliance in the 81st minute. The substitute unleashed a thunderous left-footed strike from nearly 25 yards that flew into the top corner, leaving goalkeeper Matt Ryan with no chance and sealing a comprehensive victory.
With the result beyond doubt, Marcus Rashford — recently back in the squad after knee trouble — remained an unused substitute as Barcelona comfortably saw out the match.
The win not only restores confidence after consecutive defeats but also sends a clear message in the title race. With momentum regained and squad depth on display, Barcelona now shift the pressure firmly back onto Real Madrid as the battle for LaLiga supremacy intensifies.
Source: ESPN
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