Barcelona survived a late fightback from Levante to maintain their unbeaten start to the La Liga season and move three points ahead of Real Madrid at the top of the table.
The defending champions appeared to be on their way to a fifth consecutive league victory when Lamine Yamal scored his second goal of the game and Barcelona’s third from the penalty spot just three minutes into the second half.
The Spain international’s first goal came off a cut-back from Raphinha, adding to the opener scored by fellow teenager Xavi Espart within five minutes.
However, the home side was given a lifeline when Barcelona began to lose focus and composure, allowing replacement Ivan Romero to capitalize on Espart’s defensive error to equalize with 11 minutes remaining.
That goal invigorated Levante, and nine minutes later they were celebrating again when Roger Brugue bundled home from close range to set up a nail-biting finish at the Estadio Ciudad de Valencia.
However, Hansi Flick’s team held their nerve and secured all three points in second-half stoppage time, when substitute Karim Adeyemi scored past Matthew Ryan to restore his side’s two-goal lead and seal a crucial victory.
Barcelona will face Racing Santander on Wednesday at 20:30 BST.
