Levante 2-3 Barcelona: Player Ratings

For the third game running now, Barcelona have looked like a hollow husk of their pre-international game self. Faced with the task of overcoming Levante away from home today, the Blaugranes struggled to control the game right from kick-off.

In fact, they were pegged back several times in the game, only to be denied by clutch moments — by Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Eric Garcia, and Ronald Araujo.

Despite a horrible start to the game, though, Barcelona came out of it with a 2-3 scoreline, and are now 15 unbeaten in all competitions. Barça Universal now runs the rule over those in lilac today.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen: 9.5

A moment of exceptional individual brilliance from Marc-Andre ter Stegen against Jose Luis Morales helped Barcelona end the first half with a clean sheet. Apart from that, he created a chance for Ferran Torres and was superb with his passing altogether.

ter Stegen faced three penalties in the second half – none through ay fault of his own – and kept Barcelona in the game by stopping one of them. The best player on the pitch by some margin today.

Dani Alves: 3

Alves failed to cope with Morales and Campana on his flank, with Ronald Araujo acting as his babysitter for the second game running now. Gave away a cheap chance in the first half, and a very unnecessary penalty in the second that was converted by Morales.

Ronald Araujo: 8

Inarguably Barcelona’s more reliable presence in defence this season, Araujo was fantastic yet again today. He was not only covering for Alves on the right, but did a stellar job to hold off any danger inside the box, including a last-minute interception against Roger Marti.

Eric Garcia: 8

Garcia had some trouble dealing with Marti’s pace a few times, but more than made up for it with a goal-line clearance and his defensive solidity. Gave away a cheap penalty but it could have been so much worse without him.

Jordi Alba: 7

Another game where it would be difficult to blame Alba for anything that went wrong in the game, but there were definitely moments where he could have done better. One of them was letting Jorge Miramon go past him with ease on the flank.

Eventually, though, his cross to Luuk de Jong helped Barcelona win an extremely tough game, so credit where it is due.

Nico Gonzalez: 4

Nico had the chance to start his first game in a month but did not look sharp enough. He was unable to deal with Pepelu and Campana’s intensity. Deserved subbed out for Pedri with 30 minutes to spare.

Sergio Busquets: 6

Much like the Frankfurt game, Busquets was one of the few players who looked in control of the game today. Despite that, though, his impact looked diminished due to the constant pressure from Levante. Overall an average outing for the captain.

Frenkie de Jong: 6.5

One of the better performers tonight, de Jong was omnipresent in the attack. He created space through his ball-carrying ability, and combined well with Ferran Torres and Busquets. Was subbed out near the hour mark for Gavi.

Ousmane Dembele: 8

Dembele was a pain for Son, who could barely keep up with the Frenchman’s pace. He created a few chances in the first half and got a well-deserved assist as Barcelona equalised through Aubameyang.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: 6.5

Aubameyang had a horrific first half as he was unable to combine with any of his teammates. His passes were anything but sharp and his movement often clueless. Eventually came through with a superb header to equalise, though.

Ferran Torres: 7

Torres had a superb presence in the attack today and did brilliantly to create chances with his off-the-ball movement. Came close to scoring twice, one of which was denied through a tremendous save.

SUBSTITUTES:

Pedri: 8

Easy to run out of superlatives for Pedri, who has been in quite a run of form this season. Came on with 30 minutes to spare and changed the game completely. Pre-assisted the first goal for Barcelona, and scored the second one with a stellar finish from outside the box.

Gavi: 8

Gavi came on with Pedri in the 60th minute and ran the show from there. Not only did he assist Pedri’s goal with a stellar run and cutback. Was also dropping players with his first touch

Clement Lenglet: 1

Two substitutes came on to change the game in favour of Barcelona, while Lenglet came on and changed it in favour of Levante. He gave away a penalty within a minute of touching grass – before even registering a touch.

Luuk de Jong: 8

Luuk de Jong served the match-winner YET AGAIN as Jordi Alba’s fantastic cross was headed in by him in the 92nd minute. Hard not to praise him after a clutch move like this.

Adama Traore: N/A

Did not do enough after coming on to warrant a rating.