Barcelona returned to the top of LaLiga with a convincing 3-0 win over Levante, responding in emphatic fashion after back-to-back defeats for only the third time under head coach Hansi Flick.
The hosts were under pressure to deliver after losses to Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey and Girona in the league, but they almost fell behind inside the opening 30 seconds. Carlos Álvarez found space in the box and struck goalward, only for Joan García to stand firm and deny the early effort. That scare quickly sparked Barcelona into life.
Jules Koundé threatened first when he volleyed over from the far post, and the breakthrough arrived in the fourth minute. Marc Bernal continued his impressive recent form, sliding in to finish Eric García’s low cross and register his second goal in three matches. It set the tone for a dominant first half.
Barcelona should have doubled their advantage moments later. Raphinha was denied at close range by Mathew Ryan, and Robert Lewandowski fired the rebound over the bar. Levante wasted a clear opportunity of their own in the 15th minute when Jon Ander Olasagasti shot straight at García after being played through by Iván Romero.
Flick’s side remained in control, combining intensity and composure in possession. João Cancelo came close when his inswinging cross hit the post, but the full back soon made a decisive contribution. His next delivery found Frenkie de Jong arriving late into the box, and the Dutch midfielder volleyed home from eight yards. It was his first goal since January 2025 and a timely response after recent criticism.
Barcelona’s record at home in the second half this season suggested Levante faced an uphill battle. The visitors struggled to gain territory after the break as Eric García headed narrowly wide and Raphinha was denied by a brilliant last-ditch block from Alan Matturro.
Levante’s best chance to avoid a third straight game without scoring came midway through the half. Substitute Paco Cortés broke the offside trap, but he slipped at the crucial moment and dragged his shot into the side-netting.
Barcelona eventually sealed the result nine minutes from time. Fermin López collected a short corner and unleashed a powerful strike from 20 yards that crashed in off the post. The midfielder’s tally for the campaign now stands at 11, underlining his growing influence in Flick’s system.
The victory made it 12 wins from 12 LaLiga home matches this season. Ryan still produced a sensational double save from Raphinha and López late on, but the outcome was never in doubt. Barcelona move one point clear of Real Madrid at the top of the table after their rivals’ 2-1 defeat at Osasuna on Saturday.
For Levante, the outlook remains bleak. They stay 19th, seven points from safety, after a fourth successive league loss. The defeat also extended their unwanted record, with the club now having lost all 17 of their LaLiga visits to Barcelona.
