Barcelona Return to La Liga Summit with Dominant Home Win Over Levante
FC Barcelona restored their place at the top of La Liga after easing past Levante UD to end a two-game losing streak.
A surprise defeat for Real Madrid at CA Osasuna on Saturday handed Barcelona the opportunity to reclaim top spot, and they capitalised in style at the Spotify Camp Nou. The victory preserved their flawless home record against Levante, making it 18 wins from 18 meetings on home soil.
Hansi Flick’s side had looked vulnerable in recent weeks, suffering a heavy 4-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey before slipping up at Girona. However, they responded emphatically against second-bottom Levante.
Teenage midfielder Marc Bernal set the tone with a fourth-minute opener, his second goal in just three games for the club. Frenkie de Jong doubled the advantage in the 32nd minute, scoring his first goal in 13 months after connecting with a Joao Cancelo cross. Substitute Fermin Lopez sealed the win in the 81st minute with a powerful 20-yard strike that flew in off the inside of the near post, taking his season tally to 11.
Despite the comfortable scoreline, Barcelona were occasionally exposed by their high defensive line. Goalkeeper Joan Garcia was called into action to deny Carlos Alvarez and Jon Olasagasti, while Levante custodian Mathew Ryan produced several fine saves, including a superb late double stop to prevent Raphinha and Lopez from adding a fourth.
Cancelo was a constant threat down the left flank and even struck the post with an ambitious cross, while Jules Kounde also went close as Barcelona dominated large spells of the encounter.
Speaking after the match, Flick welcomed the return to the summit but cautioned against complacency.
“It’s important to get back to the top, but there’s still a long way to go. I’m glad we gave a good answer, and that’s what I want to see from the team,” he told Marca.
With momentum restored and confidence renewed, Barcelona now turn their focus to maintaining their advantage as the title race intensifies.
