This Sunday, FC Barcelona faced Levante in the 25th round of La Liga, seeking to secure a victory and reclaim the top position from Real Madrid.
The match began with immediate action. Just one minute in, Levante’s Carlos Alvarez made an attempt on goal, forcing Barcelona’s keeper Joan Garcia into action. However, it was Barcelona who struck first, with Marc Bernal scoring early in the 5th minute. The 18-year-old, a product of La Masia, capitalized on a cross from Eric Garcia, catching the Levante defense off guard.
Barcelona kept pressing, with several close calls. In the 8th minute, Levante’s goalkeeper Ryan faced significant pressure after a defensive error by Matturro, but Lewandowski could not convert the chance, sending the ball over the bar. The team showcased their attacking prowess early on, although Koundé missed a scoring opportunity in the 3rd minute after a brilliant setup from Cancelo.
Head coach Hansi Flick, who is navigating a challenging phase this season, highlighted the recent performance dips of Barcelona, including losses to Real Sociedad and Girona. He emphasized the importance of today’s match for the club, which was just two points behind Real Madrid. Remarkably, Madrid had lost to Osasuna shortly before this match, creating an opportunity for Barcelona to reclaim the lead.
Flick also addressed the management of players observing Ramadan, such as young star Lamine Yamal, indicating that the club had tailored support to ensure both performance and personal beliefs were respected.
In a surprise move, Bernal started the match, marking an important milestone for the young midfielder, who has steadily risen through the ranks and signed his first professional contract in 2023. His integration into the first team showcases the faith Barcelona has in its youth talent.
The encounter, which took place at Camp Nou, featured a starting lineup for Levante led by coach Luis Castro, featuring players like Ryan, Toljan, and Ivan Romero. Barcelona’s strategy was to press hard and utilize their depth, hoping to showcase their attacking capabilities as they sought a crucial victory in the league.
The match promised excitement, with a chance for Barcelona to not only reclaim the top spot but also to reinforce their emerging talents in a tightly contested La Liga season.