Barcelona beats Levante to return to La Liga summit

FC Barcelona returned to the top of La Liga with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Levante UD on Sunday, capitalising on Real Madrid’s defeat to CA Osasuna 24 hours earlier. 

First-half strikes from Marc Bernal and Frenkie de Jong put the Blaugrana in control before Fermin Lopez sealed the win with a stunning long-range effort, as Barca moved one point clear at the summit.

Barca wasted little time asserting themselves at Camp Nou. Jules Kounde volleyed over from a teasing Joao Cancelo delivery in the opening exchanges, but the breakthrough arrived in the fourth minute. 

Following a corner, Eric Garcia showed composure to pick out Bernal inside the six-yard box, and the midfielder made no mistake from close range to hand the hosts an early advantage.

Levante threatened sporadically, looking to exploit space in behind, and Joan Garcia had to be alert to deny Jon Olasagasti when he raced off his line to smother the danger. 

At the other end, the visitors nearly gifted Barca a second when they conceded possession on the edge of their own area, but Maty Ryan produced a fine stop to deny Raphinha before Robert Lewandowski blazed the rebound over with the goal at his mercy.

Cancelo, enjoying his finest display since returning to the club in January, was at the heart of everything positive down the left flank. 

After seeing a wicked cross clip the post with no one able to apply the finishing touch, the Portuguese full-back soon turned provider again. 

His low ball into the box was met by a perfectly timed late run from De Jong, who converted to score his first league goal of the season and double Barca’s lead.

With the contest largely under control, Barca continued to dominate possession and territory. 

Dani Olmo kept the midfield ticking over, while Lamine Yamal teased the Levante defence without quite finding a decisive final touch. 

Lewandowski, however, endured another frustrating afternoon, missing a clear opportunity and eventually being replaced in the second half.

Substitute Fermin Lopez ensured there would be no late drama, rifling a 25-yard drive in off the post to put the result beyond doubt. 

The midfielder might have added another but was denied from close range by Ryan.