BARCELONA: Barcelona returned to the top of LaLiga with a routine 3-0 home victory over relegation-threatened Levante on Sunday, with goals from Marc Bernal, Frenkie de Jong and substitute Fermin Lopez.
Last season’s champions moved to 61 points from 25 games, one ahead of Real Madrid, who were beaten by Osasuna on Saturday. Barca had slipped to second after last week’s 2-1 loss to Girona but ensured their rivals’ setback did not go unpunished.
Levante, second from bottom on 18 points, threatened inside the opening minute but were soon behind. Eric Garcia’s low cross in the fourth minute found 18-year-old Bernal, who slid in at the near post to score.
The hosts doubled their lead in the 32nd minute when De Jong ghosted in unmarked to convert Joao Cancelo’s cross.Barcelona dominated possession after the break, with Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha both missing chances before Lopez sealed the win in the 81st minute, drilling a left-footed effort in off the post.
Levante goalkeeper Mathew Ryan produced several late saves to prevent a heavier defeat as Barcelona secured an efficient victory to reclaim top spot.
