VALENCIA, Spain (BN24) — Barcelona stormed to the top of the LaLiga standings with a thrilling 3-2 comeback win over Levante on Sunday, maintaining their perfect start to the season under new manager Hansi Flick.
The reigning Spanish champions were forced to dig deep at the Estadi Ciutat de València after falling two goals behind in a first half that saw Levante strike with confidence. Iván Romero opened the scoring for the hosts in the 15th minute, finishing coolly on the break after a swift counterattack exposed Barcelona’s defensive line.
Levante doubled their lead in first-half stoppage time, capitalizing on a controversial penalty decision. Referee Alejandro Muñiz Ruiz pointed to the spot after a lengthy VAR check confirmed that Barcelona defender Alejandro Baldé had handled the ball inside the area. José Luis Morales stepped up and converted calmly in the seventh minute of added time, sending the home crowd into celebration.
Barcelona’s response was emphatic. Just four minutes after the restart, Pedri ignited the comeback with a stunning long-range strike that beat Levante keeper Andrés Fernández, injecting belief back into the Catalan side. The momentum quickly shifted in the visitors’ favor, and by the 52nd minute, they were level. Ferran Torres met a well-weighted cross from Raphinha with a daring high-footed volley, silencing the Levante support and showcasing the attacking fluidity Flick has instilled in his early tenure.
The comeback was completed in stoppage time when a teasing ball from teenage sensation Lamine Yamal forced Unai Elgezabal into an own goal, his attempted clearance instead glancing past his own keeper to give Barcelona a deserved lead.
With the win, Barcelona sit two points clear at the top of LaLiga, ahead of Real Betis, having taken six points from their opening two fixtures. The result also marks a statement of intent from Flick, whose side displayed both resilience and attacking flair in overcoming a two-goal deficit away from home.
Credit: Sky Sport
