Xavi talks Luuk de Jong, ter Stegen, Pedri and Gavi after Levante 2-3 Barcelona

Barcelona came back from behind to clinch a stunning 3-2 win over relegation battlers Levante at Estadio Ciutat de Valencia on Sunday night.

After going behind to a Jose Luis Morales penalty early in the second half, the Catalans struck back through Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, before substitute Pedri put Barça in front just after the hour mark.

However, Levante managed to equalise with less than ten minutes left via another penalty, this time from Gonzalo Melero. But there was late drama in the game as super-sub Luuk de Jong came up with the goods deep into stoppage time to make it 3-2 and win it for Barcelona.

Manager Xavi Hernandez was ecstatic on the touchline after the third goal and praised the mentality of the team for sticking it out and coming out on top while not playing at their best.

“We have to improve our game but we’re competing very well, it’s a matter of winning mentality and believing until the end. We are showing that we are ready to compete even when we don’t have a good game, I am very happy for the players,” he said.

Xavi hailed Luuk de Jong, who scored the winning goal and Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who saved a penalty, for their contributions.

“We didn’t play a great game, but we competed very well and we got three important points. Ter Stegen and Luuk de Jong made the difference today.”

Further speaking about de Jong’s impact off the bench, the 42-year-old said: “We have a tremendous weapon with Luuk. He is aware of his possibilities and I’m very happy for him.”

Xavi also had some words of praise for Levante as well as their star goalscorer Jose Luis Morales, who made life difficult for Barça on the night.

“Levante don’t deserve to be in the relegation zone because they are playing well. They beat Villarreal and Atlético,” he said.

On Jose Luis Morales, he added: “He’s a headache, a great footballer, a player who makes the difference. He made things really complicated for us.”

When asked if Levante deserved to be awarded the three penalties they got on Sunday, Xavi replied: “Well, I don’t know, I have to watch them again…”

The manager was happy that his substitutions to bring on Pedri and Luuk de Jong worked out. However, he underlined the contributions of Nico Gonzalez and Frenkie de Jong, who had started on the night.

“Our substitutions have worked out, but Nico and Frenkie have also made a great effort. The key is to believe until the end. Players can’t always play perfect,” Xavi said.

When quizzed if the team was overdependent on Pedri, the Barcelona head coach replied:

“I wouldn’t say that. Pedri is a sensational player and he is differential. Today Gavi also helped us a lot. We tell the players to be ready to contribute to the team, whether they play a lot or not.”

Finally, talking about Barcelona’s chances of overthrowing Real Madrid in the title race, Xavi said: “La Liga is very difficult because Madrid aren’t dropping points, but we continue in this title race.”

Barcelona move back to second place with the win but remain 12 points behind Real Madrid, although the Catalans still have a game in hand.

Source: BarçaTV+