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The second away match of the 2025/26 La Liga season gave Barcelona the chance to make it nine successive away victories under Hansi Flick, equalling a record last achieved in 2021 under Ronald Koeman.
Levante have so often been the party poopers against the Catalans and they certainly made life uncomfortable for the Blaugranes again at the Estadio Ciutad de València.
In the end, a brilliant comeback win keeps the Blaugranes on top of the table, so let’s take a look at three things we learned from the match.
High line exposed again
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Although Barça had successfully played their high line twice in the early stages of the match, the back line were nowhere to be seen when Levante opened the scoring on the 15 minute mark.
Even though a number of defenders did manage to get back and might’ve been expected to clear the ball, a simple drop of the shoulder from Ivan Romero took three of them out of the game in an instant, and it was an easy finish for the striker from that point.
Unless the back four — however it’s made up — can consistently be trusted to get it right, Flick’s purpose might be better served by having one or two defenders dropping slightly deeper from time to time.
Game of two halves from Barça’s attackers
Right throughout the first half Barça’s attackers were wasteful with their chances.
This was typified by Ferran Torres’ shot against the crossbar when well-placed, one of many chances during the opening 45 minutes that was passed up.
Lamine Yamal’s trickery certainly saw him getting into all the right positions, but when it came to pulling the trigger, he wasn’t able to find his range.
Even when the Catalans managed a shot or header on target, Pablo Campos was equal to anything coming his way.
The second half was an entirely different story as Pedri’s piledriver sparked a comeback and Ferran’s brilliant volley saw Barça quickly level.
Much more incessant pressure was in stark contrast to the opening 45, and though it was an own goal that won it, it was no more than Barça deserved on that second half performance.
Perfect Pedri
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How many times does this man produce the goods for Barça?!
When all looked to be lost, Pedri stepped up with much more than the goal that gave the visitors hope. He was the calmest person on the pitch in what was often an oasis of midfield panic.
Probing, pressing and opening up the passing lanes on a consistent basis, he was once again the conductor supreme.
Arguably this team’s most important player.
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