Barcelona Return to La Liga Summit with Convincing Victory Over Levante

Flick’s Side Respond to Recent Setbacks to Move Clear of Real Madrid

FC Barcelona returned to the top of La Liga with a commanding 3–0 victory over Levante UD on Sunday evening at Camp Nou.

Following Real Madrid CF’s 2–1 defeat at CA Osasuna on Saturday, Barcelona capitalised to move one point clear of their rivals with a composed and confident display against the 19th-placed visitors.

First-half goals from Marc Bernal and Frenkie de Jong established control, before Fermín López sealed the win with a stunning late strike.

The result provided a timely response for Hansi Flick’s side, who had endured a difficult spell, including a 4–0 Copa del Rey semi-final first-leg defeat to Atlético Madrid and a 2–1 league loss against Girona FC earlier in the week.

“It was a very difficult moment for us,” Flick admitted. “But today we gave the right response. It is important to be top of the table, although there is still a long way to go.”

Bernal’s Emotional Return

Barcelona began assertively, albeit still showing defensive vulnerabilities that have concerned Flick in recent weeks. Levante, however, failed to capitalise on several promising opportunities.

The breakthrough arrived through Bernal, who finished smartly after impressive build-up play involving João Cancelo — making a rare start following his January loan arrival — and Eric García.

It marked Bernal’s second goal since returning from a long-term knee injury that sidelined the 18-year-old for over a year.

“I thought of my father during the celebration, and also my physiotherapist,” Bernal told Movistar. “He told me I would score and has helped me enormously throughout this recovery.”

Veteran striker Robert Lewandowski squandered a presentable chance to double the advantage, firing over after misjudging his contact. Cancelo later struck the post with a teasing delivery intended for the Polish forward.

Barcelona’s second arrived when Cancelo again delivered from the left, with De Jong applying a composed finish to ensure a two-goal cushion at the interval.

“João showed his strengths today,” Flick said. “He created many opportunities and delivered a very good performance. That is exactly what I want to see.”

López Adds the Finishing Touch

Barcelona continued to press after the break. Jules Koundé provided an inviting cross that García headed narrowly wide, while substitute López later produced the moment of the match.

The midfielder unleashed a powerful long-range effort that struck the post before finding the net, effectively ending any lingering doubt about the outcome.

López nearly added a fourth, but Levante goalkeeper Mathew Ryan produced an excellent reflex save, having earlier denied Raphinha.

There was further encouragement for Barcelona as Pedri returned from a month-long hamstring absence, a timely boost ahead of a demanding schedule.

Defeat leaves Levante seven points from safety. Midfielder Carlos Álvarez reflected: “We had chances in the first half that might have made them doubt. If we had taken the lead, perhaps the match would have unfolded differently.”

Villarreal Close Gap as Sevilla and Celta Claim Wins

Elsewhere, Sevilla FC secured a 1–0 victory at Getafe CF, while Celta Vigo defeated RCD Mallorca 2–0, leaving the island side 18th in the standings.

Villarreal CF strengthened their hold on third place with a 2–1 comeback win over Valencia CF in an east coast derby.

Valencia initially led through Largie Ramazani’s penalty, but Villarreal responded before the break. Santi Comesaña equalised, and Pape Gueye converted from the spot to complete the turnaround.

Marcelino García Toral’s side now sit 10 points behind Barcelona and three clear of Atlético Madrid in fourth, maintaining their pursuit of Champions League qualification.