Defending champions Barcelona trailed before sealing a spectacular 3-2 win at newly promoted Levante on Saturday with a late own goal.
Levante stunned the tourists with a two-goal lead ahead of halftime. Ivan Romero opened the scoring in the 15th minute after seizing a turnover by Lamine Yamal; then, captain José Luis Morales increased the lead from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time. Following a VAR review, Alejandro Balde was fined for handball.
Barcelona’s response following the break was strong. Just four minutes into the second half, Pedri started the comeback with a long-range shot from Yamal’s pass. Three minutes later, Ferran Torres volleyed in Raphinha’s corner after having hit the post earlier.
In the 90th minute, Yamal curled in a cross that Levante defender Unai Elgezabal unintentionally headed into his own net, giving Barça their second victory of the season.
Coach Hansi Flick said that Pedri’s goal turned momentum: “It changed the match. The first goal gave us confidence, but it was not easy to take all three points.”
On loan from Manchester United, Marcus Rashford made his first league start for Barcelona on the left wing but was replaced at halftime by Dani Olmo. Flick supported the England international even though his performance was low: “He showed how good he can be. That is how we have to continue.”
Coming on as a late replacement after recovering from a muscle injury, Robert Lewandowski also made his seasonal debut.
Six points after their first victory at Mallorca, Barcelona is flawless. Still winless, Levante will seek to come back away against Elche next week. Barça will go to Rayo Vallecano as they continue their title defense.
