Barcelona produced a stirring second-half turnaround to claim all three points in a dramatic 3-2 win over Levante, with Pedri and Ferran Torres inspiring the comeback before a late own goal sealed the result.
First Half – Levante’s Perfect Plan
The match began with Barcelona enjoying early possession, but Levante’s game plan quickly became evident: absorb pressure and hit on the counter. In the 15th minute, their strategy paid off. A quick transition caught Barça’s backline flat, and Toljan’s clever delivery found Iván Romero, who calmly slotted past Joan García for 1-0.
Barcelona attempted to respond through Raphinha and Marcus Rashford, but the home side’s organisation frustrated Flick’s men. Then, just before half-time, controversy erupted. José Luis Morales’ effort struck Alejandro Balde’s arm inside the box. Despite heated protests that it was accidental, VAR confirmed the penalty, and Morales converted in stoppage time to make it 2-0.
Levante went into the break buoyant, while Barça looked rattled, facing an uphill battle.
Second Half – Barça’s Explosive Response
Hansi Flick’s halftime talk clearly lit a fire under his team. Just four minutes after the restart, Pedri unleashed a thunderous strike from distance into the top corner, sparking belief in the visitors.
Momentum had barely shifted when Barcelona equalised. From a Raphinha corner, Ferran Torres showed sharp instincts, volleying home to bring Barça level within three minutes of Pedri’s goal.
The pace of Barcelona’s play increased, with Pedri dictating the tempo and Yamal stretching Levante’s defence on the flank. Ferran, growing in confidence, continued to test Campos, while Dani Olmo’s introduction added further creativity.
Final Twist – Own Goal Breaks Levante Hearts
As the clock ticked down, Levante appeared to have weathered the storm. Campos produced two fine stops to deny Ferran and Raphinha, while Romero threatened on the counter.
Flick turned to Robert Lewandowski in the 76th minute, seeking a decisive touch. But it was another substitute who made the difference — Lamine Yamal. The 17-year-old’s teasing cross in stoppage time forced Unai Elgezabal into an unfortunate header past his own goalkeeper.
The goal sent Barcelona’s bench into jubilation and sealed a memorable 3-2 comeback, reaffirming their reputation as masters of the remontada.
Key Performers
Pedri – Dictated midfield, scored a stunning long-range strike, and drove Barça’s revival. Man of the Match.
Ferran Torres – Two goals in two games, showing renewed confidence under Flick.
Lamine Yamal – His energy and decisive cross created the winner.
Pablo Campos – Kept Levante alive with a string of saves, but was ultimately undone by an own goal.
What It Means
The victory highlights Barcelona’s resilience and attacking depth, even when trailing under pressure. Flick’s side have maximum points after two matches and head to Rayo Vallecano full of confidence.
For Levante, this was a night of frustration. They executed their plan well for 45 minutes, but lapses in concentration and Barça’s relentless quality proved decisive. Still, their spirited display suggests they can trouble bigger sides this season.
Final Word
This comeback win won’t just be remembered for the goals — it was a statement about Barcelona’s new mentality under Flick. Despite defensive fragility, they refused to crumble, showing hunger, character, and the spark of a team aiming to defend their La Liga crown.
