FC Barcelona showed morale at UD Levante and came back from a two-goal deficit at halftime for the first time since 2000. However, a penalty call sparked controversy.
It was already stoppage time in the first half when Levante launched a well-executed counterattack after a Barcelona corner. Morales got a shot off, but Balde blocked it. The Levante striker’s frustration was short-lived, however, as referee Alejandro José Hernandez Hernandez awarded a penalty after consulting VAR and reviewing the TV footage. Morales stepped up, converted confidently, and the newly promoted side from Valencia went into the break with a 2-0 lead.
“The referee decided it was a penalty and we have to accept that,” said FCB coach Hansi Flick after the game. As so often, the handball rule caused confusion. Pedri reminded everyone that the coaches and players had received instruction from the referees on the application of the handball rules before the season. “I still don’t understand it,” said the European champion: “It was anything but clear to me, but we have to stick to it,” said the 22-year-old midfielder, who would like the referees to “explain their decisions well to everyone.”
“I think it was the right substitution.”
In the end, the penalty decision was a minor incident, as the Catalans, who had dominated the first half but failed to score, came back in the second half and secured the three points in the last second. “Of course I’m proud,” said Flick, praising his team’s comeback. He also contributed to it with the substitution of Rashford. The new signing from Manchester United did not have a good day and was replaced in the second half by Gavi, who played in the center, while Raphinha moved out to the wing. “I had to make a change for the second half and put Raphinha on the wing,” said Flick, “I think that was the right substitution.”
The double strike immediately after the break by Pedri (49th minute) and Ferran Torres (52nd minute) then played into the hands of the double winners and their confidence returned. Nevertheless, it took until stoppage time for the victory to be secured – and it was ultimately a lucky one, as Elgezabal unluckily deflected a chip ball from Lamine Yamal into his own net with his head. This meant that Barcelona turned a 0-2 halftime deficit into a victory for the first time this millennium. The Catalans had previously been two goals down after 45 minutes 13 times, losing 12 times and drawing once.
Calero: “We hurt Barcelona, but not fatally.”
Frustration reigned, however, for Levante coach Julian Calero, who spoke of an “unfair result.” “We hurt Barcelona, but not fatally,” said the 54-year-old with a lot of pathos. However, he did not want to condemn his players. “I don’t measure success by whether we win or lose, but by whether we have given everything,” he added: “That’s why I’m proud of my players.”
Ultimately, however, Levante suffered their second last-minute defeat, having already lost 2-1 to newly promoted Deportivo Alaves in the opening game of the season thanks to a goal in stoppage time. His players must therefore learn “that it’s not about what you deserve, but about what you achieve.” He wants to convey this message to his team before the next matchday, when they face fellow promoted side FC Elche.
