FC Barcelona moved back to the top of La Liga with a composed 3-0 victory against Levante UD at Camp Nou on Sunday.
The result lifted Hansi Flick’s side one point above Real Madrid CF, who had slipped to a 2-1 defeat at CA Osasuna a day earlier. Barcelona capitalised on that setback with a professional display against a Levante team battling near the foot of the table.
First-half goals from Marc Bernal and Frenkie de Jong set the tone, before substitute Fermin Lopez sealed the contest with a powerful long-range strike late in the second half.
The win provided a timely response for Barcelona after a difficult spell that saw them suffer a heavy 4-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg, followed by a 2-1 league loss to Girona FC.
Speaking after the match, coach Hansi Flick admitted the team had endured a challenging period but praised their reaction, while cautioning that there remains a long road ahead in the title race.
Despite Flick’s emphasis on defensive improvement, Barcelona again appeared vulnerable at times, though Levante were unable to convert their opportunities.
Bernal opened the scoring following a well-worked move involving Joao Cancelo and Eric Garcia. The goal marked Bernal’s second since returning from a lengthy knee injury that sidelined him for more than a year. The young midfielder later dedicated his celebration to his father and physiotherapist, crediting them for their support during his rehabilitation.
Veteran striker Robert Lewandowski came close to extending the lead but failed to convert from a promising position, while Cancelo struck the post with a cross that nearly found the Polish forward.
Barcelona’s second arrived when Cancelo once again delivered from the left, allowing De Jong to apply the finishing touch and give the hosts a comfortable cushion at half-time. Flick commended Cancelo’s impact, describing it as a strong all-round performance.
After the break, Garcia missed an opportunity to add a third, heading wide from a Jules Kounde cross. The decisive blow eventually came from Lopez, who rifled a long-range effort in off the post to underline Barcelona’s dominance.
Lopez nearly doubled his tally, but Levante goalkeeper Mathew Ryan produced sharp saves to deny both him and Raphinha in quick succession.
Barcelona also welcomed back midfielder Pedri as a substitute following a month-long absence due to a hamstring injury, offering a boost ahead of a demanding run of fixtures.
The defeat leaves Levante seven points adrift of safety. Midfielder Carlos Alvarez acknowledged his side had chances in the first half and suggested the outcome might have been different had they taken them.
Elsewhere, Sevilla FC edged Getafe CF 1-0, while third-placed Villarreal CF were set to host Valencia CF later in the day.
