Barcelona survive Levante scare to open three-point La Liga lead

Barcelona maintained their perfect start to the La Liga season but were made to work hard for it after Levante mounted a late fightback at the Estadio Ciudad de Valencia.

Hansi Flick’s side appeared to have the contest under control after extending their advantage to 3-0 early in the second half, but two goals in the final 11 minutes left the champions fighting to protect their lead.

The victory gives Barcelona five wins from five league matches and moves them three points clear of Real Madrid at the top of the table.

Yamal puts Barcelona in control

Xavi Espart opened the scoring for Barcelona before Lamine Yamal doubled the advantage after combining with Raphinha’s cut-back.

Yamal then struck again just three minutes after the restart, converting from the penalty spot to put Barcelona firmly in command.

However, the visitors lost some of their earlier composure as Levante began to find openings.

Substitute Ivan Romero capitalised on a defensive mistake from Espart with 11 minutes remaining, pulling one back and giving the hosts hope of an unlikely comeback.

Levante threaten late

The goal completely changed the mood inside the stadium, with Levante pushing forward in search of another.

Their pressure paid off less than nine minutes later when Roger Brugue bundled the ball home from close range to reduce the deficit to a single goal.

Barcelona were suddenly under serious pressure, but Flick’s players held their nerve during a tense closing period.

The champions finally settled the contest in second-half stoppage time when substitute Karim Adeyemi beat goalkeeper Matthew Ryan to restore their two-goal advantage and secure all three points.

Barcelona will now turn their attention to their next fixture, with Racing Santander visiting on Wednesday.