Barcelona ended a two-game losing streak and regained their top spot in La Liga by maintaining their perfect home record against Levante.
Real Madrid’s unexpected defeat at Osasuna on Saturday offered them the chance to reclaim the lead, and Barcelona made the most of it at the Spotify Camp Nou to defeat Levante 18 times at home.
After being thrashed 4-0 by Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey, Hansi Flick’s team appeared vulnerable when they lost against Girona. However, they recovered against Levante, who finished in second place.
Marc Bernal, a teenage midfielder, gave the reigning champions the lead in the fourth minute. With nine minutes remaining, Fermin Lopez added the third goal, and Frenkie de Jong scored his first goal in thirteen months.
18-year-old Bernal opened the scoring with his second goal for Barcelona in as many games after Eric Garcia centered from the left.
The hosts had a dangerous left-winger in Joao Cancelo, who crossed for de Jong to side-foot the second goal in the thirty-second minute.
The home team could have had more when Jules Kounde shot over, Levante goalkeeper Mathew Ryan denied Raphinha, and Cancelo struck the post with a cross.
Barcelona’s high defensive line gave the visitors chances despite their superiority, and goalie Joan Garcia made saves against Jon Olasagasti and Carlos Alvarez.
In the 81st minute, substitute Lopez’s 20-yard left-foot drive off the inside of the near post sealed the victory.
With an incredible double stop from Raphinha and Lopez, Australian custodian Ryan prevented Barcelona from scoring a fourth goal.
After 25 games, Flick’s team leads Real Madrid by one point.
