Barcelona maintained their 100 per cent home record against Levante to end a two-game losing run and return to the top of La Liga.
A shock loss at Osasuna for Real Madrid on Saturday gave them the opportunity to regain the leadership and Barcelona took full advantage at the Spotify Camp Nou to make it 18 home wins from 18 games against Levante.
Hansi Flick’s side looked vulnerable when they lost at Girona after being thumped 4-0 by Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey, but they bounced back against second-bottom Levante.
Teenage midfielder Marc Bernal gave the champions a fourth-minute lead before Frenkie de Jong scored his first goal in 13 months and Fermin Lopez added the third with his 11th of the season.
Flick was pleased to be back top, but insisted there was still a lot of football to be played.
He told Marca: “It’s important to get back to the top, but there’s still a long way to go. I’m glad we gave a good answer and that’s what I want to see from the team.”
Eric Garcia centred from the left for 18-year-old Bernal to open the scoring with his second Barca goal in just three games.
Joao Cancelo was dangerous on the left for the hosts and the former Manchester City full-back crossed for de Jong to side-foot home the second in the 32nd minute.
The hosts might have had more as Cancelo hit the post with a cross, Levante goalkeeper Mathew Ryan denied Raphinha, while Jules Kounde shot over.
Despite their dominance, Barcelona’s high defensive line allowed the visitors opportunities and keeper Joan Garcia saved from Carlos Alvarez and Jon Olasagasti.
Substitute Lopez completed the scoring when he cracked home a 20-yard left-foot drive off the inside of the near post in the 81st minute.
Australian keeper Ryan denied Barca a fourth with a superb double save from Raphinha and Lopez.
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Source: www.myjoyonline.com
