FC Barcelona fully capitalized on Real Madrid's stumble, who lost 1:2 to Osasuna in the previous matchday. Thanks to a convincing 3:0 victory over second-to-last Levante, the Pride of Catalonia gained valuable points and returned to the top spot in the Spanish top-flight league table. Goals for the hosts were scored successively by Marc Bernal, Frenkie de Jong, and Fermin Lopez, allowing Hansi Flick's team to silence talk of an impending form crisis.

Barcelona leads again

The 3:0 victory over Levante allowed Barcelona to overtake Real Madrid by one point in the La Liga table.

Lewandowski's frustration

The Polish striker did not score a goal for the third match in a row and left the pitch clearly unhappy with the coach's decision.

Young players take responsibility

Marc Bernal and Fermin Lopez scored goals, confirming the effectiveness of the Catalan football academy's work.

Sunday's match at the Spotify Camp Nou was an opportunity for the hosts to redeem themselves after painful defeats to Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey and a league slip-up against Girona. The plan was executed without major obstacles early in the match. The score was opened in the 4th minute by the just 18-year-old Marc Bernal, who capitalized on a pass from Eric Garcia. The Catalans dominated the midfield, which resulted in a second goal before halftime. The scorer was Frenkie de Jong, returning to top form. The result of the clash was sealed in the second half by Fermin Lopez, confirming the strength of the bench of the team from the Catalan capital. The rivalry between Barcelona and Levante at home historically favors the hosts, but fans still remember the 2018 match when the Valencia-based team sensationally ended Barcelona's record 43-match unbeaten league run. Robert Lewandowski had fewer reasons to be happy, leaving the pitch in the 65th minute with clear frustration. The captain of the Polish national team failed to get on the scoresheet for the third consecutive match, and Spanish media, including the newspaper Marca, harshly criticized his lack of effectiveness in favorable situations. TV cameras captured the moment when the Pole muttered under his breath about the substitution decision, sparking a wave of speculation about his relationship with the coaching staff. Hansi Flick, however, is calming the mood, emphasizing the importance of returning to the top spot. In the shadow of the match, a debate about the future of the attack is taking place; Xavier Vilajoana, a candidate for club president, bases his program on developing La Masia graduates, distancing himself from rumors about transfers of expensive veterans like Harry Kane. Wojciech Szczęsny once again watched the match from the substitutes' bench. „Recuperar el liderato tan rápido es muy importante y muy positivo” (Recovering the top spot so quickly is very important and very positive) — Hansi Flick „Nothing about this, I haven't heard anything” — Harry Kane The FC Barcelona presidential elections scheduled for March 15, 2026, are becoming a catalyst for many loud transfer rumors aimed at attracting the attention of club members (socios).

Mentioned People

  • Robert Lewandowski — FC Barcelona striker, who did not score a goal for the third match in a row.
  • Hansi Flick — FC Barcelona coach responsible for the team's results.
  • Marc Bernal — Young scorer of Barcelona's first goal.