Barcelona did just enough to edge past Levante to win their encounter in the La Liga by 1-0. The Blaugrana looked to attack from the very first minute, but Levante defended in numbers and looked to hit their opponents on the counter. However, the visitors could not play spoiler for the hosts as Ernesto Valverde’s men added another La Liga title to their trophy cabinet with their win over Levante.
The defending champions started without their talisman Lionel Messi in their lineup but could not breach the opposition backline. The Argentine magician was finally brought on at halftime, and he was the one to break the deadlock in the 62nd minute. His strike being the only goal of the match, Levante would be scratching their heads as how they squandered so many great chances to get the ball into the net in the last quarter. The Barcelona defence was completely on the rope, but the post came to their rescue in the 90th minute as the Blaugrana held onto their slim lead.
Here is how the Barcelona players were rated from their win against Levante.
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen: 7
Had nothing much to do in the first half. Made some very good saves in the second half to get his side out of harm’s way.
Nelson Semedo: 6
Did well in the first half. Looked totally out of sorts in the second half though in the face of quality counter-attacking football from Levante.
Clement Lenglet: 7
Had a few scares in the second half after a rather quiet first half in the backline. Dealt well with everything that was thrown at him.
Gerard Pique: 6
Looked a little wayward in the last quarter with the visitors being relentless in their attempt to get an equaliser. Did not lose his composure and negated the danger for Barcelona.
Jordi Alba: 6
Went up the pitch with the ball with his darting runs down the left flank. His backtracking was not up to his usual standard on the night.
Ivan Rakitic: 6.5
From being hit by the ball on his face to picking up a yellow, the Croatian was in the middle of almost everything. Kept his composure in the middle of the pitch and stabilised the midfield throughout the match.
Arthur: 7
His ball control was spot on. Initiated several attacks from the middle of the pitch.
Arturo Vidal: 6
His physicality gave him an upper hand in the first half against Levante. Could have put the game to bed but his shot went way over the bar after he was set up beautifully by Messi.
Ousmane Dembele: 7
Looked a livewire throughout the match. Did not get many chances to put his name up on the scoresheet but kept deceiving the opposition with his classy footwork.
Philippe Coutinho: 5.5
A disappointing match for the Brazilian as he could not capitalise on the chances he got to put his side in the lead. Was substituted at the start of the second half after a frustrating first half.
Luis Suarez: 6
Missed a great opportunity to open the scoring in the first half. Was denied a penalty after he was brought down in the box. Kept deceiving the opposition throughout the match.
Substitutes
Lionel Messi: 7
Cometh the hour, cometh the man. It was a perfect ending to Barcelona’s frustration in the first half as their talisman broke the deadlock with a swipe of his magical left foot in the second half and ensured back to back La Liga titles for his side.
Sergi Roberto: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Sergio Busquets: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
