Barcelona Shock By Levante After A Comeback Win
La Liga champions Barcelona fell to a shock 3-1 defeat away to Levante on Saturday, ending a seven-game winning streak in all competitions.
The visitors were first to strike, but then conceded three times in the space of seven minutes in the second half.Barca had returned to the top of the table by thrashing Real Valladolid 5-1 earlier this week, and were in a comfortable position when Lionel Messi converted a penalty in the 38th minute.But their problems began when Luis Suarez was taken off injured a few moments later and a second-half collapse ensued, with Levante scoring with their first three shots on target.
Jose Campana leveled in the 61st minute following a quickfire counter-attack after winning the ball in Barca’s half, then former Real Madrid striker Borja Mayoral put them ahead in the 63rd with a superb curling strike from outside the area.Nemanja Radoja gave the home side extra breathing space with a volleyed goal in the 67th following a free kick, while Messi found the net later to briefly give Barca hope before a VAR review saw the goal ruled out due to Antoine Griezmann being offside.It was Barca’s third defeat of the campaign and — though they still lead the standings on 22 points after 11 games — Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid can both climb above the Catalans if they win their matches later on Saturday.Levante, who have won three of their last four home fixtures against Ernesto Valverde’s side, moved up to eighth in the table on 17 points.
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