Barcelona staged an incredible comeback to defeat Levante 3-2 in La Liga, overcoming a two-goal halftime deficit.
Despite trailing by two goals at the break, Barcelona roared back with early second-half goals from Pedri Gonzalez and Ferran Torres to level the score.
A decisive moment came when Lamine Yamal assisted the winning goal with a clever cross into the 6-yard box, leading to an own-goal by Levante’s Unai Elgezabal.
Levante had taken an early lead through a counterattack by Ivan Romero in the 15th minute, following a mistake by Yamal, and doubled their advantage via a penalty from Jose Luis Morales in the first-half injury time after a video review.
Pedri Gonzalez sparked the comeback with a long-range goal in the 49th minute, and Ferran Torres, who had hit the woodwork earlier, equalized with a volcanic volley from a corner in the 52nd minute.
Barcelona’s persistent pressure yielded the winner in the final moments of the match, secured with Yamal’s assistance.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick commended Pedri for his goal, noting it was a turning point that shifted the momentum in their favor.
Commenting on the match, Flick stated that the first goal “changed the match” and underscored the team’s growth in confidence, though the full three points were not secured easily.
Last weekend, Barcelona won its opener 3-0 against nine-man Mallorca, setting a strong precedence for their defense of the title.
Newcomer Marcus Rashford made his first league start for Barcelona since his loan move from Manchester United, playing as a left-side forward, though he was substituted at halftime.
Flick noted Rashford’s potential to contribute, emphasizing the need for continued progress. Robert Lewandowski also made his season debut as a late substitute, recovering from a muscle injury.
Barcelona will continue its title defense with a visit to Rayo Vallecano, while Levante, having lost both its opening matches, will look to improve against Elche.
Marcus Rashford, right, on loan from Premier League club Manchester United, made his debut for Barcelona against Levante on Saturday [Jose Breton/NurPhoto via Getty Images]
Despite trailing by two goals at the break, Barcelona roared back with early second-half goals from Pedri Gonzalez and Ferran Torres to level the score.
A decisive moment came when Lamine Yamal assisted the winning goal with a clever cross into the 6-yard box, leading to an own-goal by Levante’s Unai Elgezabal.
Levante had taken an early lead through a counterattack by Ivan Romero in the 15th minute, following a mistake by Yamal, and doubled their advantage via a penalty from Jose Luis Morales in the first-half injury time after a video review.
Pedri Gonzalez sparked the comeback with a long-range goal in the 49th minute, and Ferran Torres, who had hit the woodwork earlier, equalized with a volcanic volley from a corner in the 52nd minute.
Barcelona’s persistent pressure yielded the winner in the final moments of the match, secured with Yamal’s assistance.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick commended Pedri for his goal, noting it was a turning point that shifted the momentum in their favor.
Commenting on the match, Flick stated that the first goal “changed the match” and underscored the team’s growth in confidence, though the full three points were not secured easily.
Last weekend, Barcelona won its opener 3-0 against nine-man Mallorca, setting a strong precedence for their defense of the title.
Newcomer Marcus Rashford made his first league start for Barcelona since his loan move from Manchester United, playing as a left-side forward, though he was substituted at halftime.
Flick noted Rashford’s potential to contribute, emphasizing the need for continued progress. Robert Lewandowski also made his season debut as a late substitute, recovering from a muscle injury.
Barcelona will continue its title defense with a visit to Rayo Vallecano, while Levante, having lost both its opening matches, will look to improve against Elche.
