Barcelona returned to the top of LaLiga with a convincing 3-0 win over Levante at the Spotify Camp Nou, taking advantage of Real Madrid’s 2-1 defeat to Osasuna. The victory moved Barcelona to 61 points after 25 games, one point above Real Madrid, reclaiming their position at the summit.

After suffering back to back defeats to Atlético Madrid and Girona, Hansi Flick’s side responded strongly. Marc Bernal opened the scoring just minutes after kickoff, marking his second goal of the season. The goal came after a carefully worked move that saw Eric García deliver the ball into the danger area, where Bernal reacted quickly to tuck the ball past Mathew Ryan.

Barcelona had started the match brightly, with both teams creating early chances. Carlos Álvarez forced an early save from Joan García, while Jules Koundé headed over at the other end. However, it was Barça who made their dominance count with their quick opener.

Barcelona doubled their lead to 2-0 shortly after the half-hour mark. A silky move originating on the right saw Lamine Yamal, Bernal and João Cancelo combine before Cancelo delivered a precise cross into the six-yard box. Frenkie de Jong timed his run perfectly and touched the ball home, ending a barren scoring streak that dated back to January 2025.

The Netherlands international’s goal gave Barcelona a comfortable cushion heading into halftime. Levante’s final opportunity before the break came when Kareem Tunde fired wide, narrowing their route back into the match.

João Cancelo stood out as one of the best performers on the night. He struck the post, provided the assist for De Jong’s goal, and delivered crosses with precision throughout the game. He registered 105 touches, seven progressive carries, three key passes, and created two big chances while maintaining a 91% pass completion rate.

Levante continued to show resistance after the break, with Jon Olasagasti forcing a brilliant save from Joan García. However, Barcelona maintained control and continued to threaten, with Matt Ryan making important saves to deny Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo.

The decisive third goal arrived in the 81st minute. Fermin López, who had been introduced as part of a triple substitution along with Ferran Torres and the returning Pedri, struck a stunning left footed effort from outside the box. The ball thundered into the top corner after striking the woodwork, sealing the 3-0 result.

“It was important to win and earn three points again,” Barcelona defender Cancelo said. “Soccer gives you these opportunities to rebound and that’s what we did today, playing well again after two bad games.”

Pedri’s return from injury added to the positive atmosphere at the Spotify Camp Nou, as supporters celebrated both the victory and Barcelona’s return to first place in LaLiga.

With this result, Barcelona not only ended their recent losing streak but also reasserted themselves in the title race, placing the pressure back on Real Madrid.