Levante vs. Barcelona: Score, Grades and Reaction from La Liga Game
Barcelona made it four wins out of four at the start of the Liga season with a comfortable 5-0 success at Levante. Facing a side who were still to score a goal in La Liga, Barca were expected to dominate, and they did not disappoint.
An early goal from Neymar set them on their way, and although Lionel Messi missed a penalty, he would later score—after Ivan Rakitic, Sandro Ramirez and Pedro had already done so—to cap an easy win.
"Def some shades of Guardiola's Barca this season under Enrique, although still way too early to tell whether it's sustainable.
— Cristian Nyari (@Cnyari) September 21, 2014"
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Levante looked lively early on, with Pape Diop forcing a save out of Claudio Bravo. Victor also came close to converting at the far post after Jose Luis Morales had shown Jeremy Mathieu a clean pair of heels down the right-hand side.
Rain in Valencia made the pitch extremely slick, which played into the hands of Barca’s attacking stars, Messi and Neymar.
Messi was the creator-in-chief for Barca. He delivered a delightful pass into the path of Jordi Alba on 16 minutes, but he lashed his shot well wide of the target. Another slick passing move on 20 minutes set Neymar free, but he saw his shot smothered by Jesus Fernandez.
After a couple of sighters, Barca got things right on 34 minutes. A deft angled pass from Messi picked out the run of Neymar, who took the ball in his stride, went around Jesus and slotted home despite a slight stumble.
Barca continued to probe, and the strong, skilled Messi won a penalty, which resulted in Loukas Vyntra being shown a red card.
The only surprise came moments later, as Messi smashed his penalty wide of the target.
"More Messi penalty stats from @2010MisterChip 65 taken in career [inc shoot-outs]. Scored 53, 2 crossbar, 2 wide, 8 saved.
— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) September 21, 2014"
Big things are expected of Rakitic, and he opened his Barcelona account on 44 minutes with a 20-yard drive that found the bottom corner with the aid of a slight deflection off Diop.
"Ivan Rakitic: "I shoot from 20 or 25 metres if I see a space" http://t.co/9RlZeGt5eR
— SPORT English (@Sport_EN) September 21, 2014"
Barca were dealt a blow at the start of the second half, as Neymar was replaced after taking an awkward fall. Neymar seemed less than impressed about the substitution, and he made his feelings known after trudging back to the dugout, which suggested the problem was not too serious.
Barca were not knocked out of their stride, however, as they claimed a third goal on 57 minutes. Once again it was Messi with the assist, as he laid the ball on a plate for Sandro to slot home.
With 10 men on a stamina-sapping pitch, Levante were a beaten side, and Barca sliced them open once again on 64 minutes, with Alba latching onto a flick from Sandro before picking out Pedro for a simple finish.
Naturally, it was Messi who capped off the scoring. Twisting and turning on the edge of the box, he tormented the Levante defence before chipping the ball over Jesus—who had spilled the ball—and into the net.
"With 3 goals and 6 assists, Messi has been directly involved in 9 of Barcelona's 12 goals this season #fcblive
— barcastuff (@barcastuff) September 21, 2014"
After seeing Real Madrid maul Deportivo 8-2 on Saturday, Barcelona needed a response. They found it in ultimately easy fashion and can keep their eyes forward, with twice as many points as their rivals thus far.
It is the early stages of the Liga season, and the new signings are still to be in. In Luis Suarez’s case, he’s yet to kick a ball in competitive action. There’s a lot to play out, but Barcelona—with Neymar and Messi firing and Suarez to slot in—will be in the hunt to the end.
Barcelona Key Grades
Lionel Messi: B+
The superstar has been overshadowed by Neymar in the scoring stakes early in the season, but he is playing his part in the creative department—and he got the goal his display merited.
Neymar: B+
The Brazilian has put his injury problems from the summer behind him and hit the ground running. He looks a threat every time he collects the ball and is taking his chances. Went off injured, but it did not look serious.
Javier Mascherano: B
The Argentine has shrugged off not being handed the captaincy and performed with credit. His no-nonsense style is well-documented, but he showed some bright creative touches.
Post-Match Reaction
Barca boss Luis Enrique played down concerns over Neymar's substitution, claiming the injury was minor.
"Luis Enrique: "Neymar has a slight strain on his ankle. There is no controversy or anything strange.”
— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) September 21, 2014"
