Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez celebrates scoring his staff’s third purpose within the snug win over Levante on Sunday in La Liga. Picture: AFP
BARCELONA:
Barcelona cruised to a 3-0 victory over Levante to reclaim pole place in La Liga on Sunday.
After Actual Madrid fell to a 2-1 defeat at Osasuna on Saturday, Hansi Flick’s aspect moved a degree away from their bitter rivals with a cushty victory at Camp Nou towards the staff in nineteenth.
Marc Bernal and Frenkie de Jong gave Barca a commanding first-half lead and Fermin Lopez wrapped up the win with a sensational drive late on.
Barcelona had been glad to get again to successful methods after a 4-0 thrashing by Atletico Madrid within the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg final week after which a 2-1 defeat by Girona on Monday in La Liga.
“It was a very dangerous second for us however ultimately right now we gave response,” Flick advised reporters.
“It is vital now to be on prime of the desk however ultimately there is a lengthy method to go.”
Regardless of Flick’s requires enchancment in defence, Barca had been as open as ever, though Levante’s poor ending meant they might not capitalise.
Bernal despatched Barca forward after good work by Joao Cancelo, who impressed on a uncommon begin after his arrival on mortgage in January, and Eric Garcia.
It was Bernal’s second purpose since getting back from a long-term knee damage, which saved the 18-year-old out of motion for over a 12 months.
“I considered my father (in my celebration) and my physio — he advised me I’d rating and he has helped me loads on this course of,” Bernal advised Movistar.
Veteran Polish ahead Robert Lewandowski may have doubled Barca’s benefit however fired into the bottom and over the bar when nicely positioned.
Cancelo hit the publish with a cross aimed toward Lewandowski, earlier than the Portuguese defender carved out the second for De Jong with the same ball in from the left.
De Jong delivered the crowning glory to offer Barca a two-goal lead on the break.
“Joao right now he confirmed his power, his optimistic issues, he gave us a whole lot of moments, nice probabilities, for me it was a very good sport from him and that is what I wish to see,” stated Flick.
– Lopez rocket –
Garcia ought to have expanded Barcelona’s benefit early within the second half however nodded huge from Jules Kounde’s tempting cross.
Ultimately substitute Lopez bought a spectacular third, rattling residence a long-range effort in off the publish.
The midfielder might need added a fourth late on however Levante goalkeeper Mathew Ryan denied him with a superb reflex save, after first thwarting Raphinha.
Flick was in a position to carry again midfielder Pedri instead after a month out with a hamstring damage, with the Spaniard prone to be key within the testing weeks forward.
Defeat leaves Levante seven factors from security.
“Within the first half we had some probabilities that, if we put them away, may have gotten them to doubt themselves,” stated Levante midfielder Carlos Alvarez.
“If we might have gone in entrance, who is aware of what may have occurred.”
Earlier Sevilla earned a 1-0 win at Getafe, whereas Celta Vigo defeated Mallorca 2-0, leaving the islanders 18th.
Valencia are sixteenth, two factors above the drop zone after they misplaced 2-1 in an east coast derby conflict at Villarreal, third.
Marcelino Garcia Toral’s aspect path leaders Barca by 10 factors, making a title problem unlikely, however their win helped them transfer three factors forward of Atletico Madrid in fourth.
Villarreal got here from behind after Largie Ramazani opened the scoring from the penalty spot for Valencia.
Santi Comesana pulled the hosts stage and Pape Gueye secured the victory with a penalty earlier than the break.
Valencia got here near equalising late on however Villarreal held out to triumph.
