Barcelona showed a exciting comeback in second-half to edge Levante 3-2 in a gripping Spanish league match, whereas early-season struggles of Atletico Madrid deepened with another unfortunate draw.
The Barcelona champions seemed in deep trouble during secondhalf hours, trailing newly promoted Levante by two goals.
Iván Romero opened the scoring in the 15th minute after capitalizing on a misplaced ball from Lamine Yamal before Jose Luis Morales doubled the advantage in first-half injury time. Morales struck from the penalty spot after a video review confirmed a handball by Alejandro Balde when he blocked Morales’ shot.
Barcelona, however, roared back after the break. Pedri Gonzalez ignited the fightback in the 49th minute with a spectacular long-range effort. The midfielder latched onto Yamal’s pass well outside the box, picked his spot, and blasted the ball into the corner to give his side hope. Just three minutes later, Ferran Torres leveled the score. Having hit the woodwork in the first half, Torres finally found the net by shrugging off his marker and volleying home from Raphinha’s corner.
The winner came in dramatic fashion just after the 90-minute mark. Yamal, determined to make amends for his earlier mistake, curled in a dangerous cross into the six-yard box. Under pressure, Levante defender Unai Elgezabal could only head into his own net, completing Barcelona’s comeback and securing all three points.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick praised Pedri’s decisive contribution, noting how his goal turned the tide. “The first goal we scored helped us a lot to get our confidence in the box, but until the end it was not easy for us to get the three points,” Flick said.
The win follows Barcelona’s commanding 3-0 victory at Mallorca in their season opener, putting the Catalan giants on course for another strong campaign. New signing Marcus Rashford made his first league start for Barcelona, operating on the left wing. He was substituted at halftime for Dani Olmo, with much of Barcelona’s attacking impetus coming through Pedri’s playmaking and Yamal’s pace down the right flank. Flick, however, was encouraged by Rashford’s debut. “I think Marcus had some situations in the first half where he showed how good he is and how he can help us, and that is how we have to continue,” he said.
Veteran striker Robert Lewandowski also returned to action, featuring as a late substitute after recovering from a muscle injury.
Elsewhere, Atletico Madrid’s pursuit of the title got off to another stuttering start with a 1-1 draw against Elche. Alexander Sorloth gave Atletico an early lead in the eighth minute, running onto David Hancko’s pass before finishing with a looping strike. The Norwegian striker almost doubled his tally soon after, but Elche goalkeeper Matías Dituro produced a fine save.
Elche equalized swiftly through Rafa Mir, who converted after a slick passing move set up by German Valera. Atletico pressed but failed to find a breakthrough, with Giuliano Simeone striking the post before halftime.
Coach Diego Simeone called for patience after the match. “We are working hard to get the most out of our players. With patience and work, the results will come. We can’t change course because we had two games that we deserved, at least, not to lose,” he said.
For now, Barcelona appears to be gathering momentum, while Atletico is still searching for its rhythm.
