Barcelona - Levante: Keys to Barcelona’s win and return to the top

The Barcelona - Levante match at Spotify Camp Nou ended with Barcelona recovering the win and retaking the La Liga lead after Real Madrid’s defeat in Pamplona, a result the team needed after two consecutive losses that had opened wounds and doubts. Manager Flick set the side out with the obligation not just to win but to convince.

Barcelona - Levante at Spotify Camp Nou

From the fourth minute, when Marc Bernal put Barcelona ahead, the game took the direction the home side needed: intensity, width from the flanks and authority at Spotify Camp Nou. The early strike forced Levante onto the back foot and allowed Barcelona to control phases of the match.

Early Bernal goal set the tone

Marc Bernal’s goal in minute four opened the scoring and helped Barcelona exploit space along the wings, a repeated theme in the match. That early breakthrough answered the immediate need to stop the slide after two straight defeats and made use of the opportunity created by Real Madrid’s loss in Pamplona, allowing Barça to regain the lead in La Liga a week later.

De Jong extended the lead while Joan Garcia kept Levante alive

De Jong put some distance between the teams with a goal that pushed Barcelona further ahead, but Levante’s goalkeeper Joan Garcia had to work on more than one occasion to prevent his side from conceding further. Garcia’s saves kept Levante in the contest at points despite Barcelona’s pressure down the flanks.

Pedri’s return and Fermín’s finish

Pedri returned to the lineup after a month away and received the afternoon’s ovation at the Camp Nou before Fermín put the match beyond doubt with the final goal. Fermín took his opportunity and did not let it escape; if he keeps that offensive inspiration he will force Balde to raise his level.

Lewandowski started; Ferran off the bench

Lewandowski was named in the starting eleven while Ferran came on as a substitute, and between the two they have combined for three goals across the last nine league rounds. Their contributions remain a part of Barcelona’s attacking picture as the team looks to sustain the recovery.

Barcelona’s victory over Levante returned the club to the top of La Liga standings one week after Real Madrid fell in Pamplona. The next confirmed event is unclear in the provided context.