Barcelona returned to the top of La Liga on Sunday after a convincing 3-0 win over Levante at Camp Nou.
The victory came after Real Madrid suffered a 2-1 defeat to Osasuna on Saturday. With that result, coach Hansi Flick’s side moved one point clear of their fierce rivals in the title race.
Barcelona, playing against the 19th-placed visitors, took control early in the match. Marc Bernal opened the scoring before Frenkie de Jong added a second to give the hosts a comfortable advantage before the break.
Fermin Lopez sealed the victory late in the game with a powerful strike, putting the result beyond doubt and sending the home fans into celebration.
The win was an important response for Barcelona, who had endured a difficult week. They were beaten 4-0 by Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final, before suffering a 2-1 league loss to Girona on Monday.
Despite Flick’s calls for improvement in defence, Barca were as open as ever, although Levante’s poor finishing meant they could not capitalise.
Bernal sent Barca ahead after good work by Joao Cancelo, who impressed on a rare start after his arrival on loan in January, and Eric Garcia.
Veteran Polish forward Robert Lewandowski could have doubled Barca’s advantage but fired into the ground and over the bar when well placed.
Cancelo hit the post with a cross aimed at Lewandowski, before the Portuguese defender carved out the second for De Jong with a similar ball in from the left.
De Jong delivered the finishing touch to give Barca a two-goal lead at the break.
Garcia should have expanded Barcelona’s lead early in the second half but nodded wide from Jules Kounde’s tempting cross.
Eventually substitute Lopez got a spectacular third, rattling home a long-range effort in off the post.
The midfielder might have added a fourth late on but Levante goalkeeper Mathew Ryan denied him with a fine reflex save.
Flick was able to bring back midfielder Pedri as a substitute after a month out with a hamstring injury, with the Spaniard likely to be key in the testing weeks ahead.
Earlier Sevilla earned a 1-0 win at Getafe, while third-place Villarreal host Valencia later on.
