Barcelona went into Sunday’s game knowing they had a 100% record at home in La Liga this season (11 wins from 11), and as long as there was no complacency, Hansi Flick’s side would make it a round dozen victories.
After two awful results at Atletico Madrid and Girona, a win was much needed to restore some belief, and with Levante having lost all 16 of their league matches in Barcelona, the game looked a perfect one for the squad to get back to winning ways.
Not to mention that the visiting defence
had already conceded 41 goals – a league high – whilst Barca had scored an astonishing 34 at home, including 21 unanswered goals scored after half-time in league play.
Of course, complacency against Levante is nothing new. Who can forget the 5-4 defeat that meant the Catalans were unable to go a whole league season unbeaten under Ernesto Valverde.
The Frogs had also scored twice in the last two H2Hs, and that would’ve been a good enough reason for Flick to ram home his message before the start of this one.
Let’s take a look at three things that affected the outcome…
Much more like it from Cancelo…
Although Levante were almost certainly always going to be the most accommodating of opponents, that shouldn’t take away from the strength of Joao Cancelo’s performance at full-back/wing-back.
A willing runner and someone who was consistently available during the game, the Portuguese ensured that his direct opponents had a torrid time.
His assist for Frenkie de Jong’s goal may have been simple enough, but was still executed with aplomb, as with much of his general play.
Whether a right-footed left-back who will be 32 before the end of the season is Barcelona’s best option is another conversation entirely, though Cancelo has, at least, with Sunday’s performance, offered a genuine opportunity for something different.
Bernal brings balance and calm
The backroom staff have to be given credit for the way in which they’ve rationed Marc Bernal’s minutes in the team.
How often have we seen players in the past brought back too quickly after a serious injury, only to break down again in their efforts to get fit?
Bernal has been eased back into the first team picture and now the club look to be reaping the benefits.
The youngster’s maturity on the ball in central midfield belies his age and lack of experience. It’s not really fair on him to be labelled ‘the new Busquets,’ however, he does bring that same air of calm and balance to the midfield.
An understated yet superb performance, and one which will give Hansi Flick some food for thought.
Lack of killer instinct until Fermin came on?
Levante’s low block wasn’t a surprise, and surely Barcelona would’ve been working on that in training during the week.
Until Fermin’s firecracker of a third goal, however, could one argue that, despite the deep defence from the visitors, there was a bit of a lack of killer instinct from the hosts?
Almost as if Barca knew they were always going to win the game so didn’t have to over exert themselves?
Perhaps that’s a little too harsh and on another day, the Catalans would’ve racked up six or seven with ease.
Fermin’s contribution again was notable, as he continues to do all he can to ensure he remains a valued member of the midfield.
