Barcelona’s Thrilling Comeback Down at Levante
Barcelona demonstrated resilience and character in their second league game, overturning a two-goal deficit to secure a dramatic 3–2 victory against newly promoted Levante at the Estadio Ciutat de València .
Levante’s Dream Start
Levante stunned their more illustrious opponents early on:
Iván Romero broke the deadlock in the 15th minute with a composed finish at the end of a swift counterattack .
Just before halftime, José Luis Morales added to the shock via a penalty, awarded after Alejandro Balde handled the ball in the box under VAR review .
By the break, Levante held a surprising 2–0 advantage over the reigning champions.
Barcelona’s Response
Hansi Flick’s side flipped the script at the interval:
Pedri pulled one back in the 49th minute, striking powerfully from outside the area after a threaded pass from Lamine Yamal .
Just minutes later, Ferran Torres nodded in from a Raphinha corner to level the match at 2–2 .
Winner in the Dying Moments
Tension peaked deep into stoppage time when Lamine Yamal curled in a dangerous cross. Levante defender Unai Elgezabal unwittingly turned the ball into his own net, granting Barcelona a dramatic 3–2 win .
Tactical Layers & Context
Flick’s demands for intensity came as little surprise, given Barcelona’s opening 3–0 win over Mallorca had lacked sustained tempo, especially after their opponents were reduced to nine men .
Levante’s fightback was no fluke: Manager Julián Calero had openly acknowledged squad limitations and injuries, likening his task of containing Barcelona to “trying to plug holes in a sinking ship” .
The result keeps Barcelona unbeaten at two from two and sets a vibrant tone for their title defense.
Moment Detail
15' Goal Iván Romero opens scoring for Levante
HT Penalty José Luis Morales converts spot-kick for Levante
49' Response Pedri scores a long-range effort to make it 2–1
52' Equalizer Ferran Torres heads home from corner to level the score
90+’ Winner Own goal by Elgezabal off Yamal’s cross seals the 3–2 comeback win
Barcelona heads into the next round perfect on points, with the ability to grind out results even when not at their best. For Levante, despite the heartache, their first-half display offers a blueprint for future contests especially if they can field a healthier squad and stay tactically disciplined.
Be the first to show love! 🚀
Start something amazing - your support inspires creators!