Barcelona punish Madrid slip with commanding three-goal haul against Levante

Barcelona stormed back to the summit of La Liga with a ruthless 3-0 dismissal of Levante at the Estadi Olímpic, capitalising on Real Madrid’s earlier stumble to seize a one-point lead in the title race. Hansi Flick’s side, stung by back-to-back defeats across all competitions, produced a statement performance that ended their brief slide and rekindled championship momentum.

The hosts signalled intent inside four minutes. Eric Garcia darted to the by-line and cut the ball back low across the six-yard box, where 17-year-old Marc Bernal slid in to steer home his second goal in three appearances. The early strike settled nerves and allowed Barcelona to dictate tempo against a Levante outfit anchored near the relegation zone.

Wave after wave of attacks followed. Raphinha tormented the visitors with relentless wide runs, while Robert Lewandowski twice went close to extending the advantage. Levante sporadically broke forward, yet Joan Garcia was scarcely extended beyond routine stops, and their final ball consistently lacked precision.

The decisive second arrived on 32 minutes. Joao Cancelo surged down the right flank and clipped a measured cross towards the penalty spot. Frenkie de Jong ghosted in unmarked and side-footed calmly past Mathew Ryan, ending a goal drought that stretched back more than a year and effectively sealing the contest before half-time.

Barcelona refused to relent after the restart. Cancelo’s inswinging effort clipped the upright, and Ryan produced smart saves to twice deny Raphinha as Levante’s defensive cracks widened whenever the league leaders accelerated through midfield. Flick introduced fresh legs to maintain intensity, and the move paid dividends nine minutes from time.

Substitute Fermin Lopez collected possession 20 metres out, shifted the ball onto his left foot and arrowed a thunderous drive beyond Ryan and in off the post. The strike put the result beyond doubt and sparked roars of relief around the stadium.

Ryan’s late double stop prevented further damage, but Levante rarely threatened a consolation. The victory hoists Barcelona one point clear of Real Madrid with the season entering its decisive phase, while Levante remain mired in the drop zone, their survival hopes darkening with each passing week.

Barcelona’s emphatic response to adversity reasserts their authority in the championship chase and reminds pursuers that, despite recent wobbles, the destiny of the title remains firmly in their own hands.