Pedri and Yamal Ignite Barcelona's Thrilling 3-2 Comeback Victory Over Levante
Barcelona staged a remarkable turnaround from a two-goal deficit to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory over Levante, claiming crucial points that may prove decisive in the final La Liga standings.
Despite Barcelona controlling the opening possession, Levante appeared more threatening and opened the scoring first. Following a disallowed goal, the home team broke the deadlock in the 15th minute. Levante exploited Barcelona's high defensive line when Jeremy Toljan found Iván Romero, who skillfully entered the penalty area and deceived Pau Cubarsí with an elegant body movement before slotting a low effort into the net.
Barcelona maintained territorial advantage but failed to convert their scoring opportunities to restore parity. The clearest chance came when Pedri released Ferran Torres one-on-one with the goalkeeper, only for Torres to strike the crossbar from point-blank range, preventing the Catalans from finding an equalizer.
Levante extended their advantage before the interval instead. Alejandro Balde conceded a spot-kick after being adjudged to have intentionally handled the ball to block an attempt. José Luis Morales confidently converted the penalty as the last action of the opening period.
Barcelona required only seven minutes after the restart to draw level. Pedri reduced the deficit with a spectacular long-range effort that nestled perfectly in the top corner. Just three minutes later, Torres made amends by volleying home Barcelona's equalizer from a Raphinha set-piece delivery.
Hansi Flick's team committed players forward for the remaining duration, compelling Levante to retreat with virtually their entire squad defending deep within their own penalty area. Deep into added time, Barcelona completed their remarkable recovery. Lamine Yamal—who excelled throughout the second period—delivered a precise cross into the danger zone that Unai Elgezabal unfortunately deflected into his own net.
Barcelona managed the closing stages to secure maximum points. Nevertheless, Flick's squad must address their overall display, as several vulnerabilities were highlighted in just their second fixture of the campaign.
Individual player assessments from the match are listed below.
Barcelona Player Ratings vs. Levante (4-2-3-1)
Assessments Courtesy of FotMob
Position / Player | Ratings (Out of 10) |
|---|---|
GK: Joan García | 7.8 |
RB: Eric García | 7.9 |
CB: Ronald Araújo | 7.2 |
CB: Pau Cubarsí | 7.0 |
LB: Alejandro Balde | 7.2 |
CM: Marc Casadó | 6.7 |
CM: Pedri | 8.6 |
RW: Lamine Yamal | 8.5 |
AM: Raphinha | 8.3 |
LW: Marcus Rashford | 7.1 |
ST: Ferran Torres | 8.2 |
SUB: Gavi (46' for Casadó) | 6.9 |
SUB: Dani Olmo (46' for Rashford) | 7.0 |
SUB: Andreas Christensen (76' for Araújo) | 6.4 |
SUB: Robert Lewandowski (76' for Balde) | 5.7 |
SUB: Jules Koundé (85' for García) | N/A |
Unused substitutes: Iñaki Peña (GK), Diego Kochen (GK), Dro Fernández, Antonio Fernández, Fermín López, Jofre Torrents
Outstanding Performer: Pedri (Barcelona)
Levante (5-4-1): Pablo Cuñat (GK); Manu Sánchez, Jorge Cabello, Unai Elgezabel, Adrián de la Fuente, Jeremy Toljan; José Luis Morales, Oriol Rey, Pablo Martínez, Roger Brugué; Iván Romero
Substitutes: Alejandro Primo (GK), Diego Pampín, Victor García, Iker Losada, Carlos Espí, Carlos Álvarez, Matias Moreno, Sergio Lozano, Paco Cortés, Nacho Pérez Gómez,