Levante vs FC Barcelona report: Barcelona win 3-2 in a second-half Remondata

Defending champions FC Barcelona achieved a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory against Levante at Ciutat de Valencia stadium on Saturday.

Pedri after scoring his goal. Image | fcbarcelona/X

Defending champions FC Barcelona managed a narrow 3-2 win over promoted club Levante in a second-half comeback on Saturday at Ciutat de Valencia stadium in Valencia. It was a late own goal from Levante's Unai Elguezabal that helped Barcelona keep their 100% win rate in La Liga 2025/26.

First Half: Levante’s dream start

From the opening whistle, Levante adopted a disciplined 5-4-1 defensive shape, looking to frustrate Barcelona and spring lethal counterattacks. It was an approach that paid rich dividends early on.

Barcelona, employing a high defensive line and a starting lineup featuring promising talents such as Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and newcomer Marcus Rashford, dominated possession but found it difficult to penetrate Levante's compact defense.

Levante struck the first blow in the 15th minute through Ivan Romero. Toljan's precise assist from the right set up Romero, who cleverly dummied Marc Casado inside the box before slotting the ball past Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia.

Barcelona pushed hard afterward, with early chances coming from Raphinha and Ferran Torres, but Levante goalkeeper Pablo Cunat remained alert, making crucial saves.

The defining moment before halftime was a contentious penalty awarded to Levante in stoppage time. A VAR check confirmed a handball by Alejandro Balde, and veteran Jose Luis Morales confidently converted from the spot in the 45+7th minute, doubling Levante’s lead to 2-0.

Second half: Barcelona’s comeback

Trailing 0-2 at half-time, Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick made two changes right after the restart, bringing on Pablo Gavi and Dani Olmo for Marc Casado and Marcus Rashford respectively, to inject fresh energy and creativity into the side.

Just four minutes into the second half, Barcelona scored a spectacular goal through Pedri. Pedri fired a thunderous shot from outside the box following a quick corner routine that left Levante defenders frozen. Lamine Yamal with the assist to Pedri, but the whole credit should go to the midfielder.

Buoyed by Pedri's strike, the visitors continued to press and earned their reward just three minutes later.

Raphinha, cutting in from the right flank, delivered a pinpoint cross to Ferran Torres, who volleyed home an exquisite finish to level the match at 2-2.

Levante remained dangerous throughout, breaking the offside trap repeatedly and testing Barcelona’s defense and keeper Joan Garcia. The home side also registered notable chances, including a one-on-one situation for Morales just before being subbed off.

As the match entered its dying minutes, Barcelona’s persistent pressure began to tell. They introduced defensive reinforcements in the 76th minute with Lewandowski and Christensen replacing Alejandro Balde and Ronald Araujo to add physical presence and stability.

Levante threw on fresh legs with substitutes Loasada, Pampin, and Espi trying to hold the lead, but fatigue was evident.

In 90+1 minutes, the critical moment arrived when Barcelona's Lamine Yamal delivered a dangerous cross into the box. Elguezabal attempted to clear but inadvertently deflected the ball into his own net.

Eventually, despite facing trouble, Barcelona were able to earn full points and stay at the top of the points table.

Pedri was named the player of the match.

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