Barca Blaugranes - La Liga, Round 4; Barcelona vs Levante: Full Match Coverage#GraciesTitohttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47187/barca-fave.png2015-09-23T13:40:26+02:00http://www.barcablaugranes.com/rss/stream/91206242015-09-23T13:40:26+02:002015-09-23T13:40:26+02:00Barça 4-1 Levante: Player Ratings
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<p>A detailed, player-by-player breakdown of Barcelona's strong win against Levante.</p> <p>
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<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;">Marc-Andre ter Stegen<br>
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<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>5.9</i></td>
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<span class="statwords">Minutes played: </span><span class="statwords"><b>90</b></span>
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<div class="dots"><span class="statwords">Touches: <b>46</b></span></div>
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<span class="statwords">Passes: <b>26</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy: <b>88</b></span><span class="statwords"><b>%</b></span>
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<span class="statwords">Shots Faced: </span><span class="statwords"><b>4</b></span>
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<span class="statwords">Saves Made: <b>3</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords">Key Passes</span></span></span></span></span>: <b>1</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<span class="statwords"><i><b><span class="statwords"><i><b><span class="statwords"><i><b>Bostjan </b></i></span></b></i></span>says:</b></i></span><span class="statwords"><b><i> 6.0</i></b></span>
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<p>Another game, another gift by ter Stegen. In what was a largely quiet game for ter Stegen, the German caused some unnecessary excitement midway through the second half when he missed the ball on an attempted punch out which led to an easy goal for Levante. It was yet another error by the young goalkeeper in what has been a shaky start to the season. Other than that his performance was largely excitement free as he only had to make a few easy long range saves.</p>
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<span>Dani Alves</span><br>
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<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;">7.2</td>
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<span class="statwords">Minutes played: <b>90</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<span class="statwords">Touches: <b>128</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<div class="dots"><span class="statwords">Passes: <b>105</b></span></div>
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<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy: <b>92</b></span><span class="statwords"><b>%</b></span>
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<span class="statwords">Key Passes:<b> 2</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords">Turnovers</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>: </span><span class="statwords"><b>4</b></span>
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<span class="statwords">Tackles: <b>2</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords">Shots/Shots on Target</span></span></span></span></span></span>: <b>0/0</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords">Clearances</span></span></span>: <b>1</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords">Aerial Duels Won</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>: <b>0</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<div class="dots"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords">Interceptions</span>: <b>4</b></span></div>
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<span class="statwords"><i><b><span class="statwords"><i><b><span class="statwords"><i><b>Bostjan </b></i></span></b></i></span>says: </b></i></span><span class="statwords"><b><i>7.0</i></b></span>
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<p>Returning from injury Alves put in a very solid showing on the right side. Defensively he wasn’t tested much, but in attack he was constantly on the move. His crossing left quite a lot to be desired, as many of his crosses landed far from the intended recipient, but one of them, in the 56th minute, led to Neymar’s goal.</p>
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<span>Javier Mascherano</span><br>
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<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>7.1</i></td>
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<span class="statwords">Minutes played: </span><span class="statwords"><b>90</b></span>
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<div class="dots"><span class="statwords">Touches: <b>76</b></span></div>
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<span class="statwords">Passes: <b>72</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy: <b>99</b></span><span class="statwords"><b>%</b></span>
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<span class="statwords">Tackles: <b>2</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<div class="dots"><span class="statwords">Interceptions: <b>1</b></span></div>
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<span class="statwords">Clearances: <b>0</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<div class="dots"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords">Aerial Duels Won</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>: <b>1</b></span></div>
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<span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords">Fouls</span></span></span></span></span></span></span>: </span><span class="statwords"><b>2</b></span>
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<span class="statwords"><i><b><span class="statwords"><i><b><span class="statwords"><i><b>Bostjan </b></i></span></b></i></span>says: </b></i></span><span class="statwords"><b><i>7.0</i></b></span>
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<p>Mascherano was hardly seen in this game, which means he played a quietly effective game, even though there were a couple of moments in which he looked shaky and uncomfortable. Of the players in the defensive line, the Argentine was probably the one who was tested the least. The highlight of Mascherano’s game was without a doubt his passing as just one of his 72 passes missed the target and he was an impressive 19 for 19 on long passing plays.</p>
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<span>Marc Bartra</span><br>
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<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>8.3</i></td>
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<span class="statwords">Minutes played: </span><span class="statwords"><b>90</b></span>
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<div class="dots"><span class="statwords">Touches: <b>92</b></span></div>
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<span class="statwords">Passes: <b>77</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy: <b>88</b></span><span class="statwords"><b>%</b></span>
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<span class="statwords">Tackles: <b>2</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<div class="dots"><span class="statwords">Interceptions: <b>3</b></span></div>
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<span class="statwords">Clearances: <b>4</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<div class="dots"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords">Aerial Duels Won</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>: <b>4</b></span></div>
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<span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords">Shots/Shots on Target</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>: </span><span class="statwords"><b>2/1</b></span>
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<span class="statwords"><i><b><span class="statwords"><i><b><span class="statwords"><i><b>Bostjan </b></i></span></b></i></span>says: </b></i></span><span class="statwords"><b><i>9.0</i></b></span>
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<p>After starting the season on the wrong foot, Bartra has started to turn his form around and against Levante he showed what he is capable of. With the visitors playing mostly defense, Bartra didn’t have a whole lot to do on defense, but when he was tested, he always seemed to make the right play, seemingly never putting a foot wrong. Bartra was also a big factor in attack and opened the scoring early in the second half from open play, not a set-piece, after showing some great ball control. And if that weren’t enough he also added an assist on the last goal of the game.</p>
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<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;">Adriano Correia<br>
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<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>6.2</i></td>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Minutes played: </span><span class="statwords"><b>90</b></span>
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<span class="statwords">Touches: </span><span class="statwords"><b>79</b></span>
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<span class="statwords">Passes: </span><span class="statwords"><b>68</b></span>
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<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy: <b>88</b></span><span class="statwords"><b>%</b></span>
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<span class="statwords">Shots/Shots on Target: <b>0/0</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<span class="statwords">Tackles: <b>3</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<span class="statwords">Interceptions: <b>4</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<span class="statwords">Clearances: </span><span class="statwords"><b>1</b></span>
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<span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords">Key Passes</span></span>: </span><b><span class="statwords">1</span></b>
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<span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords">Turnovers</span></span>: <b>0</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<span class="statwords"><i><b><span class="statwords"><i><b>Bostjan </b></i></span>says: </b></i></span><span class="statwords"><i><b>6.5</b></i></span>
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<p>Making a rare start at left-back, Adriano put in a solid showing. In true Adriano fashion he made some good plays and some bad plays defensively, but Levante failed to make Barcelona pay for those mistakes. In attack he wasn’t as effective as Alba, as his crosses often missed the target and he didn’t always seem to be on the same page Neymar was.</p>
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<span>Sergio Busquets</span><br>
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<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>7.3</i></td>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Minutes played: </span><span class="statwords"><b>61</b></span>
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<span class="statwords">Touches: </span><span class="statwords"><b>46</b></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes: </span><span class="statwords"><b>41</b></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy: <b>93</b></span><span class="statwords"><b>%</b></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Shots/Shots on Target: <b>0/0</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<span class="statwords">Tackles: <b>0</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Interceptions: </span><span class="statwords"><b>2</b></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Clearances: </span><span class="statwords"><b>0</b></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><span class="statwords">Turnovers</span>: </span><span class="statwords"><b>1</b></span>
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<span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords">Aerial Duels Won</span></span></span>: </span><b><span class="statwords">1</span></b>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Key Passes: </span><span class="statwords"><b>1</b></span>
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<span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords">Fouls Won</span></span>: <b>1</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<span class="statwords"><i><b><span class="statwords"><i><b>Sam </b></i></span>says: </b></i></span><span class="statwords"><i><b>7.0</b></i></span>
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<p>With many attacking players ahead of him, it was Busquets’ job to ensure the team wasn’t at risk to a midfield counterattack. He performed this job well through his position and his accurate passing. Levante did offer little going forward which meant Busquets task was relatively straightforward. With Barcelona comfortably in the lead, Busquets was withdrawn just after the hour mark.</p>
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<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;">Ivan Rakitić<br>
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<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>7.0</i></td>
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<span class="statwords">Minutes played: </span><span class="statwords"><b>90</b></span>
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<span class="statwords">Touches: </span><span class="statwords"><b>96</b></span>
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<span class="statwords">Passes: </span><span class="statwords"><b>81</b></span>
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<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy: <b>98</b></span><span class="statwords"><b>%</b></span>
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<span class="statwords">Shots/Shots on Target: <b>1/0</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<span class="statwords">Turnovers:</span><span class="statwords"><b> 0</b></span>
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<span class="statwords">Key Passes: </span><span class="statwords"><b>1</b></span>
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<span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords">Fouls Won</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>: <b>0</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><span class="statwords">Tackles</span>: <b>3</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<span class="statwords"><i><b>Sam says: 7.5</b></i></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<p>A much better performance from Rakitić compared to his season form so far. His passing was more accurate, he dictated play more and was all in all a bigger attacking threat. He completed a total of 81 passes with an accuracy of 97.5% which helped Barcelona to maintain midfield superiority. They weren’t just sideways passes either, he was routinely looking for a way to penetrate the Levante defence. He also put in a good defensive shift with three tackles and two interventions.</p>
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<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;">Munir El Haddadi<br>
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<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>6.0</i></td>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Minutes played: </span><span class="statwords"><b>90</b></span>
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<span class="statwords">Touches: <b>59</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<span class="statwords">Passes: </span><span class="statwords"><b>48</b></span>
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<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy: <b>88</b></span><span class="statwords"><b>%</b></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Shots/Shots on Target: <b>2</b></span><span class="statwords"><b>/1</b></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><span class="statwords">Fouls Won</span>: <b>2</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<span class="statwords">Turnovers: </span><span class="statwords"><b>2</b></span>
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<span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords">Successful Dribbles</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>: <b>2</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<span class="statwords">Key Passes: </span><span class="statwords"><b>1</b></span>
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<span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords">Interceptions</span></span></span></span></span>: <b>1</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<span class="statwords"><i><b>Sam says: 7.5</b></i></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<div align="justify">
<div>
<p>Playing in a more unfamiliar role, Munir did well as one of four attacking players. With Messi through the middle, he spent the majority of his time on the right wing and at times was a good outlet for Barcelona. He contributed with dribbles, passes and shots helping Barça to eventually make the breakthrough. Also with as many attacking players as Barça had, it was sometimes hard for him to find space to work in. Nevertheless, it was a good performance.</p>
</div>
<div></div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="text-align: justify; width: 100%; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: black;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 50px;">
<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;">Lionel Messi<br>
</td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>8.7</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="font-size: 12px; vertical-align: top;" colspan="2">
<div class="statcont" style="font-size: 12px;">
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Minutes played: </span><span class="statwords"><b>90</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Touches: </span><span class="statwords"><b>89</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes: </span><span class="statwords"><b>61</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy: <b>85</b></span><span class="statwords"><b>%</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Shots/Shots on Target: <b>10/4</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Turnovers: <b>2</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Successful Dribbles: <b>8</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Key Passes: <b>3</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><span class="statwords">Fouls Won</span>: </span><span class="statwords"><b>2</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords">Tackles</span></span>: </span><span class="statwords"><b>0</b></span>
</div>
<br>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><i><b>Bostjan says: </b></i></span><span class="statwords"><b><i>9.0</i></b></span>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<p class="MsoNormal">Very exciting game for Messi who played behind a lone striker in this one, yet he still managed to fire off ten shots, though only four on target. One of those misses was against from the penalty spot, even though he converted a penalty not long before he missed the second one. Also scored a late goal after a lovely run to the middle. At time he was forced to take on the defense by himself, to mixed results, but I'm sure he would appreciate some more help from attacking teammates in the future.</p>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="text-align: justify; width: 100%; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: black;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 50px;">
<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;">Neymar<br>
</td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;">7.6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="font-size: 12px; vertical-align: top;" colspan="2">
<div class="statcont">
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Minutes played: </span><span class="statwords"><b>90</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Touches: <b>76</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes: <b>62</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy: <b>69</b></span><span class="statwords"><b>%</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Shots/Shots on Target: <b>5/2</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Fouls Won: </span><span class="statwords"><b>3</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Successful Dribbles: <b>0</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Key Passes: <b>0</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Turnovers: <b>1</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Interceptions: <b>0</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
</div>
<br>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><i><b><span class="statwords"><i><b>Bostjan </b></i></span>says: 7.5</b></i></span><span class="statwords"></span>
</div>
</div>
<div align="justify">
<p>Still not quite himself, Neymar was a mixed bag once again, disappearing for large stretches of the game only to turn up the volume at one point to score a goal and win a penalty for him team. One of the most infuriating things about the Brazilian's current play is how he always tries to pass the ball to Messi, even though Argentine is covered by three players and he himself is in a position to take the shot</p>
<br>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="text-align: justify; width: 100%; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: black;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 50px;">
<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;">Sandro Ramirez<br>
</td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;">6.5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="font-size: 12px; vertical-align: top;" colspan="2">
<div class="statcont" style="font-size: 12px;">
<div class="dots"><span class="statwords">Minutes played: <b>90</b></span></div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Touches: </span><span class="statwords"><b>31</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes: <b>19</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy: <b>90%</b></span><span class="statwords"><b></b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Shots/Shots on Target: <b>1/0</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><span class="statwords">Successful Dribbles</span>: </span><span class="statwords"><b>0</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Key Passes: <b>2</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><span class="statwords">Tackles:</span></span><span class="statwords"> <b>1</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Turnovers: </span><span class="statwords"><b>4</b></span>
</div>
<br>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><i><b><span class="statwords"><i><b><span class="statwords"><i><b>Bostjan </b></i></span></b></i></span>says: 6.5</b></i></span><span class="statwords"></span>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<p class="MsoNormal">Making his La Liga debut as a started, Sandro wasn't involved much in the game, making only 31 touches of the ball. Never really looking as a threat to score, the youngster did have a strong passing game, even creating a few dangerous situations with his ball distribution.</p>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="text-align: justify; width: 100%; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: black;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;">Gerard Gumbau<br>
</td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>6.0</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" style="vertical-align: top; font-size: 12px;">
<div class="statcont" style="font-size: 12px;">
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Minutes played: </span><span class="statwords"><b>29</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Touches: <b>14</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes: <b>11</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy: <b>100</b></span><span class="statwords"><b>%</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords">Interceptions</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>: <b>2</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
</div>
<br>
<div class="dots"><span class="statwords"><i><b><span class="statwords"><i><b>Kevin </b></i></span>says: 6.0</b></i></span></div>
</div>
<span> </span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<p>Perhaps surprisingly drafted into the squad due to the long term absence of Rafinha, Gumbau replaced Sergio Busquets with 29 minutes left on the clock. Many have been left wondering what Sergi Samper has to do in order to get a run in the first team squad, but that's none of the concern of Gerard Gumbau who rightfully made the most of a fantastic opportunity afforded to him. In truth, his contribution was not extensive but he never looked out of place in midfield which is great news for a 20 year old rookie who has been playing in a losing team over the last while. I, for one, wouldn't object to seeing more of him.</p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="text-align: justify; width: 100%; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: black;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 50px;">
<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;">The Team</td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>7.8</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="font-size: 12px; vertical-align: top;" colspan="2">
<div class="statcont" style="font-size: 12px;">
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes: <b>698</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy: <b>90</b></span><span class="statwords"><b>%</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Shots/Shots on Target: <b>21/8</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Tackles: </span><span class="statwords"><b>13</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Aerial Battles Won: <b>53</b></span><span class="statwords"><b>%</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Fouls Won/Committed: <b>15/8</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
</div>
<br>
<div class="dots"><span class="statwords"><i><b><span class="statwords"><i><b><span class="statwords"><i><b>Bostjan </b></i></span></b></i></span>says: 8.0</b></i></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<p class="MsoNormal">It looked like it was going to be one of "those games" after the first half, but a quick breakthrough in the second led to an easier remainder of the game. Levante might not be a good measuring stick for success, but they came to the Camp Nou tactically well prepared and Barcelona had to put together a good game to win the three points. And to do that while testing out a new playing system makes for a good result.</p>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="text-align: justify; width: 100%; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: black;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 50px;">
<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;">
<span>Luis Enrique</span><br>
</td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>8.0</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="font-size: 12px; vertical-align: top;" colspan="2">
<div class="statcont">
<br>
<div class="dots"><span class="statwords"><i><b><span class="statwords"><i><b><span class="statwords"><i><b><span class="statwords"><i><b>Kevin </b></i></span></b></i></span></b></i></span>says: 8.0</b></i></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<p class="MsoNormal">Sandro starting up front? Messi in midfield? Bartra opening the scoring? Barcelona are the only team to win all 4 of their Liga fixtures. Key players are missing at the moment and we're balls deep in a congested succession of fixtures. The manager continues to make rotations allowing for the rest of key players and believes in his full squad to get us through matches. Luis Suarez and Andrés Iniesta will now be fresh to return for a tricky away fixture Wednesday night in Galicia. Marc Bartra and Jeremy Mathieu look to have regained form/confidence over the last few games and a B player has been introduced into midfield without the entire system collapsing. With Alves back from injury, Piqué returning from suspension and the eagerly awaited return of Claudio Bravo not far away, Enrique has the boys in the right place coming into a packed set of fixtures over the next three weeks or so.</p>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="text-align: justify; width: 100%; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: black;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 50px;">
<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;">MOTM - <span>Lionel Messi</span><br>
</td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>66%</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="font-size: 12px; vertical-align: top;" colspan="2">
<div class="statcont" style="font-size: 12px;">
<br>
<div class="dots"><span class="statwords"><i><b>Bostjan says: Bartra</b></i></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<p>Two goals and an assist and Messi has one more Man of the Match award. With a performance like that, even with a missed penalty, nobody could've gotten close to the Argentine. The only one with a small chance was Bartra, who finished in second place with 26%. Rounding off the top three was Neymar with 5% of the votes.</p>
<br>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2015/9/23/9366349/la-liga-fc-barcelona-4-1-levante-ud-player-ratingsBostjan CernensekSam CooperKevin Bermingham2015-09-21T16:39:52+02:002015-09-21T16:39:52+02:00Lucho reflects on Levante win, squad depth
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/lBBwo177HNUIAlGXIym9nObDpXQ=/0x0:4245x2830/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47231424/GettyImages-465681594.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>David Ramos/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Barcelona</a> coach <span>Luis Enrique</span> was satisfied with his team's performance on Sunday's 4-1 win over <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/la-liga/teams/levante" class="sbn-auto-link">Levante</a>, that kept the <i>Blaugrana</i> with a perfect record after four games, and sitting on top of the table with 12 points. It wasn't the best performances, but we can attribute some of that to a totally different team, full of Lucho's rotations and featuring players like <span>Marc Bartra</span>, Adriano Correia, Munir El-Haddadi and Sandro Ramírez who didn't play a lot of minutes so far.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">This different team was still able to hang four goals on Levante for the third straight time at Camp Nou, and the Catalan giants were able to break down the ultra-defensive approach from the opponents. Talking to the press after the game, Enrique was happy with the showing from the reserves, and also talked about the return of <span>Dani Alves</span>, who played for the first time in over a month. Here's a few highlights from Lucho's presser:</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span>"I am very satisfied with the game and to see that we have a lot of resources. </span><span>We knew they would play with five midfielders and four on defense, and that it would be tough to hurt them.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">"[<span>Lionel Messi</span>] <span>was a little human; </span><span>he missed a penalty, but [in the end] had two goals and an assist. Bartra </span><span>was very good in traffic and also opened the scoring. </span><span>It is not his role, but he's good enough to do it. </span><span>He played a very complete match.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">"<span>I liked how [Munir and Sandro] played, and they needed minutes. </span><span>They are young, they can score and have potential.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span>"Our system depends of who we're playing and based on the players we think are most suited to each game.</span></p>
<p><span>"Knowing [Marc-André] ter Stegen, I am not worried about him losing confidence. He</span><span> showed that after the goal he could come right back out. </span><span>He's got plenty of character and personality.</span></p>
<span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">"[Dani]<strong> </strong>Alves's physical strength lets him play 90 minutes after recovering from an injury. It something that very few players can do.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">"In 22 days we have seven matches, and players need rest and we have to distribute the minutes. It's better for the team, physically.</div>
</span>
<p style="text-align: right;">Source: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/luis-enrique-praises-fc-barcelona-s-depth">FCBarcelona.com</a></p>
</blockquote>
<p><iframe src="//www.dailymotion.com/embed/video/x37dsh8" height="400" width="700" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2015/9/21/9364605/luis-enrique-reflects-on-win-against-levante-squad-depthRenato Gonçalves2015-09-21T06:00:02+02:002015-09-21T06:00:02+02:00Barça 4-1 Levante: 3 Things We Learned
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ViE0ngzNwupL1fmvBTVc6u9YrPI=/0x217:2556x1921/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47229386/GettyImages-489354702.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Alex Caparros/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Barcelona</a> is the only team in the Spanish League to have won all of its four games so far, and they maintained their perfect record with an easy, comfortable 4-1 victory against <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/la-liga/teams/levante" class="sbn-auto-link">Levante</a> on Sunday. It wasn't the best of performances, but it was a deserved result nonetheless. Here's a few takeaways from what we saw on Sunday:</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>1. <span>Sergi Roberto</span> has been very good at right-back, but <span>Dani Alves</span> is different. </b>In football, there are talented men and hard workers. Roberto is a hard worker who makes up for his lack of spectacular skills with tremendous work ethic and will, and all that effort turned him into a very important piece of Luis Enrique's system in this young season. But the return of Alves gave Barça another dangerous offensive option. The second goal wouldn't have happened with Roberto, simply because he won't try those types of skill moves. This is zero percent a criticism towards Roberto, it's just that he can't do the stuff Alves can. And that's important to a Barça team that relies so much on it's full-backs on offense. Roberto will be great in games where Barça needs to defend against a great winger, but against parked buses, it's better to play Dani.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>2. <span>Lionel Messi</span> should stop taking penalties. </b>Here's a few reasons: He's statistically worse than Neymar Jr. and Luis Suárez. In fact, he's 1-for-3 in five games this season, which is very worrisome. Plus, even the guy who's accompanying him in the Mount Rushmore of football stopped trying from the spot when he saw he missed too much. Yes, the great Pelé wasn't the official penalty-kick taker at Santos, instead choosing to pass that along to one of his striking partners, Pepe. Every miss throws some unnecessary criticism on Leo, and his 77% accuracy rate might come back to hunt him one day. It's just simpler to avoid it.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>3. Everybody steps up, which is huge. </b>Players like <span>Marc Bartra</span>, Adriano, Sandro Ramírez and Munir El-Haddadi got hardly any time at all, and that is always tricky. No player likes to be on the bench, and when he's asked to play after a while, he might not be at his best in terms of confidence, which could impact their performances. With those four, that was not the case. In their own way, each one had an important contribution on Sunday, with Bartra standing out as the best of them. We all expect a lot from him, and he works hard every time he steps onto the pitch. Credit to Luis Enrique's rotations that keep everyone hungry and waiting for a chance, and they make the best of it. And that makes this squad really special.</p>
https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2015/9/21/9363197/barcelona-4-1-levante-post-match-reaction-3-things-we-learnedRenato Gonçalves2015-09-20T23:20:02+02:002015-09-20T23:20:02+02:00Barça 4-1 Levante: Match Review
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/J5L37c5O8AkxxmE78CAXFIoO-v0=/0x0:1991x1327/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47227804/GettyImages-489334558.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Alex Caparros/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Recap of Barcelona's win against Levante at the Camp Nou</p> <p></p>
<p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" align="justify"><span>Barcelona continued with their perfect start to the 2015-16 La Liga season with a win against Levante. After a scoreless first half it appeared Barcelona would find it difficult to continue their streak, but three quick goals from <span>Marc Bartra</span>, Neymar and <span>Lionel Messi</span> were enough for the Catalans to make it four wins out of four games. Víctor Casadesús scored what proved to only be a consolidation goal midway through the second half as Messi would late in the game add another insurance goal.</span></p>
<table align="justify" height="202" border="0" width="387">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><br></td>
<td><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/">Barcelona</a></b></td>
<td><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/la-liga/teams/levante">Levante</a></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Possession</td>
<td>71<br>
</td>
<td>29<br>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Total Shots</td>
<td>21<br>
</td>
<td>11<br>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shots on Target</td>
<td>8<br>
</td>
<td>5<br>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Corners</td>
<td>4<br>
</td>
<td>4<br>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Fouls</td>
<td>8<br>
</td>
<td>14<br>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Offsides</td>
<td>3<br>
</td>
<td>5<br>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Yellow Cards</td>
<td>0<br>
</td>
<td>1<br>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Red Cards</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p></p>
<p align="justify">Barcelona's lineup was quite a surprise. It started at the back where <span>Jordi Alba</span> was given a rare night off and was replaced by Adriano Correia. Joining him in front of Marc-Andre ter Stegen were <span>Dani Alves</span>, Bartra and Javier Mascherano. Though that was the least surprising part. The midfield, despite different early reports, featured only <span>Sergio Busquets</span> and Ivan Rakitić. Playing in front of them, behind the striker Sandro Ramirez, was Messi as a central attacking midfielder, a No. 10 if you will. On the wings were Neymar and another youngster, Munir El Haddadi.</p>
<p align="justify">Levante started the match from midfield, but, as expected, it were Barcelona who immediately took possession of the ball and started pushing forward for the early breakthrough. Playing a deep line with five at the back, Levante's game plan was no surprise - hold a solid defensive line and hope for a chance on a quick counter-attack. Or that ter Stegen gets too far off the line...</p>
<p align="justify">It wasn't one of the most exciting starts to the game as Barcelona dominated the ball while Levante hung back and never really thought twice about just heaving the ball as far away as possible when they gained possession. But Barcelona struggled to break through Levante's organized defensive ranks, and the Catalans didn't get a good look on goal until the 15th minute when Messi almost capitalized on a little game of penalty box flipper, but his end product was easily saved by Ruben.</p>
<p align="justify">That minute also marked the beginning of a time in which Levante opened up their ranks a bit and even launched their first attack(s) of the game, but the defensive line and ter Stegen did their job excellently. With Levante now thinking about attacking, Barcelona suddenly had a bit more space in the visitors' third. Barcelona's first really good scoring chance came in the 22nd minute when Messi sprung Neymar, but with plenty of time and space, the Brazilian rushed his shot and badly missed the target. Just six minute later, Barcelona would have their best chance of the match up to this point. After a long ball from Barcelona's third, the Catalans would go on a three-on-two, but Munir decided to do everything on his own. In all, it wasn't a bad try from the youngster, but the goalkeeper made the save while Munir had wide open teammates to his left that would've been left with an easy finish to the open net.</p>
<p align="justify">Levante would continue to occasionally threaten amid the constant Barcelona pressure, but the visitors struggled to test the Barcelona goalkeeper. They seemed to have finally gotten in a great position to put a shot on target in the 35th minute, but Bartra made an excellent play to disrupt a dangerous attack. Barça immediately replied to that with a chance of their own, but Messi's 20-yarder was well saved by the goalkeeper. The rebound though, fell right to Sandro who was unable to direct the ball into the empty net.</p>
<p align="justify">Messi would have another chance three minutes later, but his header whistled over the crossbar. The Argentine would get one more shot at opening the scoring in the dying moments of the first half. Verza committed a foul 20 yards from goal to the right, in other words, in a perfect spot for Messi. Messi indeed took the free kick, but his shot missed the target completely, prompting referee David Fernández Borbalán to whistle for halftime.</p>
<p align="justify">During halftime, both managers came to the conclusion that neither needed to make any changes this early in the match, resulting in both sides starting the second half with the same elevens they started the match with.</p>
<p align="justify">Barcelona came storming out of the gate once again, hoping to do what they failed to do in the first half, score a quick goal. And they did, in the 50th minute. Like Gerard Pique does so many times, Bartra went on a run forward, positioning himself as the striker. Messi immediately saw that Bartra had space and supplied him with an excellent ball that the center-back brilliantly controlled with his chest and calmly slotted it into the back of the net to open the scoring.</p>
<p align="justify">The goal lifted Barcelona's spirits and the Catalans were quickly back on the attack. Messi again turned provider, this time to the onrushing Neymar, but the Brazilian was unable to get on the receiving end of the ball. But Neymar would not be discouraged by that, and in the 56th minute he would finally find the back of the net, sending the ball through the legs of two defenders and just past the goalkeeper.</p>
<p align="justify">That would not be the end of Barcelona's scoring run as just four minutes later Neymar was brought down in the penalty area by Ángel Trujillo for a penalty kick. Messi stepped up to take it and emphatically powered it under the crossbar to add to Barcelona's lead. With the big lead in hand, Lucho deemed the game was all but won and decided to give Busquets some well-deserved rest. He was replaced by Gerard Gumbau.</p>
<p align="justify">In the 64th minute it seemed that Messi would pick up his second assist of the night as Munir finished off the play with a lovely finish, but the goal was correctly ruled out for offside. With nothing left to lose, Levante started looking for their chances in attack and they were quickly rewarded for their positive play, aided by another ter Stegen mistake. The German goalkeeper left his line and missed the high cross which fell directly to Casadesús, who simply sent the ball into the open net.</p>
<p align="justify">Levante continued with good pressure toward Barcelona's goal and Barcelona's once healthy lead suddenly looked in danger. The visitors were constantly buzzing in Barcelona's third while the Catalans struggled hold on to the ball, making numerous wayward passes along the way.</p>
<p align="justify">But Barcelona managed to hold on to the two goal lead and even went on to create a few good looking scoring chances. The first came in the 75th minute when Messi was brought down in the penalty area for Barcelona's second spot kick of the night. Again it was Messi who took responsibility, but unlike the first time, he was unable to put the ball into the back of the net, this time firing over the crossbar. Minutes later, Rakitić forced a turnover deep in Levante territory and it seemed he would go alone on goal, but he waited too long and under pressure from the defender the Croatian wasted the chance.</p>
<p align="justify">In the last minute of regulation, Bartra returned the favor to Messi and provided him with a lovely ball that Messi continued with to a better scoring spot to beat Ruben and complete the scoring. Barcelona now face another tough away game, at the Balaídos where they will take on the always tough <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/la-liga/teams/celta-vigo">Celta Vigo</a>.</p>
<p></p>
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<h3>Roll Call:</h3>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<thead>
<tr>
<th colspan="2">Roll Call Info</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="150">Total comments</td>
<td>1,045</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>Total commenters</td>
<td>48</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Commenter list</td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/A.%20J.%20Khan">A. J. Khan</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Abdul%20S.">Abdul S.</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Abhiforbarca">Abhiforbarca</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Abhishek-Cul%C3%A9">Abhishek-Culé</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Anders%20Thomassen">Anders Thomassen</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Anirudh_Kul">Anirudh_Kul</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/AraibKarim">AraibKarim</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/BDBarca">BDBarca</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/BarcaBarca">BarcaBarca</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/BarcaLifer">BarcaLifer</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Barca_24">Barca_24</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/BarcelonaCobayo1998">BarcelonaCobayo1998</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/CriRo7">CriRo7</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Delano%20Heerkens">Delano Heerkens</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/FloFourFCBarca">FloFourFCBarca</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Geniussssssss">Geniussssssss</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Jerome%20Mizzi">Jerome Mizzi</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/KiwiBarca">KiwiBarca</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Messidependencia!!!">Messidependencia!!!</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/My%20Name%20Is%20Dennis">My Name Is Dennis</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/NamesTroyResideInTheDMV">NamesTroyResideInTheDMV</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/PG9">PG9</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Piqu%C3%A9nbauer">Piquénbauer</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Piyush_">Piyush_</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Rajesh1101s">Rajesh1101s</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SUAD">SUAD</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SUMYTH90">SUMYTH90</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Saurabh%20Gautam">Saurabh Gautam</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Som-i-Serem">Som-i-Serem</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Steven%20Cordero">Steven Cordero</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Swn.Cul%C3%A9">Swn.Culé</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Tokjee">Tokjee</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Z%20Ahmad">Z Ahmad</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ade%20fox">ade fox</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/avyator">avyator</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/craig00000">craig00000</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/el_uruguayo">el_uruguayo</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/godnkls">godnkls</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/henderick.mitchell">henderick.mitchell</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/joe259">joe259</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ledhe">ledhe</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/magical_messi">magical_messi</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/michael.olivier">michael.olivier</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/milesbarca">milesbarca</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/saijaikumar">saijaikumar</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/semperty">semperty</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/syredeathtrooper">syredeathtrooper</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/turtletrader">turtletrader</a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>Story URLs</td>
<td>
<div><a href="http://www.barcablaugranes.com/2015/9/20/9360123/la-liga-fc-barcelona-vs-levante-ud-confirmed-lineups-and-live-game">http://www.barcablaugranes.com/2015/9/20/9360123/la-liga-fc-barcelona-vs-levante-ud-confirmed-lineups-and-live-game</a></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<thead>
<tr>
<th width="20">#</th>
<th>Commenter</th>
<th># Comments</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/magical_messi">magical_messi</a></td>
<td>176</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>2</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ade%20fox">ade fox</a></td>
<td>131</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Delano%20Heerkens">Delano Heerkens</a></td>
<td>102</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>4</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Piyush_">Piyush_</a></td>
<td>64</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Rajesh1101s">Rajesh1101s</a></td>
<td>64</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>6</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/craig00000">craig00000</a></td>
<td>60</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Som-i-Serem">Som-i-Serem</a></td>
<td>43</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>8</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/AraibKarim">AraibKarim</a></td>
<td>38</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Anders%20Thomassen">Anders Thomassen</a></td>
<td>35</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>10</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Jerome%20Mizzi">Jerome Mizzi</a></td>
<td>35</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>11</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/avyator">avyator</a></td>
<td>29</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>12</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/NamesTroyResideInTheDMV">NamesTroyResideInTheDMV</a></td>
<td>29</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>13</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/syredeathtrooper">syredeathtrooper</a></td>
<td>28</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>14</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Abhishek-Cul%C3%A9">Abhishek-Culé</a></td>
<td>25</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>15</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/A.%20J.%20Khan">A. J. Khan</a></td>
<td>21</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>16</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Anirudh_Kul">Anirudh_Kul</a></td>
<td>20</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>17</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/My%20Name%20Is%20Dennis">My Name Is Dennis</a></td>
<td>17</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>18</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Abhiforbarca">Abhiforbarca</a></td>
<td>15</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>19</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/BDBarca">BDBarca</a></td>
<td>15</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>20</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/KiwiBarca">KiwiBarca</a></td>
<td>12</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>21</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/godnkls">godnkls</a></td>
<td>11</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>22</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/semperty">semperty</a></td>
<td>10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>23</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Steven%20Cordero">Steven Cordero</a></td>
<td>8</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>24</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Z%20Ahmad">Z Ahmad</a></td>
<td>6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>25</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Barca_24">Barca_24</a></td>
<td>6</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>26</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Swn.Cul%C3%A9">Swn.Culé</a></td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>27</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/henderick.mitchell">henderick.mitchell</a></td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>28</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/milesbarca">milesbarca</a></td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>29</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/BarcelonaCobayo1998">BarcelonaCobayo1998</a></td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>30</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Messidependencia!!!">Messidependencia!!!</a></td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>31</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SUAD">SUAD</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>32</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Piqu%C3%A9nbauer">Piquénbauer</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>33</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ledhe">ledhe</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>34</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/CriRo7">CriRo7</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>35</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/el_uruguayo">el_uruguayo</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>36</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/saijaikumar">saijaikumar</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>37</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Abdul%20S.">Abdul S.</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>38</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/PG9">PG9</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>39</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/joe259">joe259</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>40</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Saurabh%20Gautam">Saurabh Gautam</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>41</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/BarcaLifer">BarcaLifer</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>42</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/turtletrader">turtletrader</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>43</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Tokjee">Tokjee</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>44</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/BarcaBarca">BarcaBarca</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>45</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Geniussssssss">Geniussssssss</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>46</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/FloFourFCBarca">FloFourFCBarca</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>47</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SUMYTH90">SUMYTH90</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>48</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/michael.olivier">michael.olivier</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
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https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2015/9/20/9360559/la-liga-fc-barcelona-levante-ud-match-reviewBostjan Cernensek2015-09-20T22:22:32+02:002015-09-20T22:22:32+02:00Watch: Messi does a Messi, 4-1<iframe src="https://vine.co/v/ePqOYL906h5/embed/simple" width="600" height="600"></iframe>
<div class="source source-img"><p><p>Barcelona 4-1 Levante</p></p></div>
https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2015/9/20/9361383/watch-messi-does-a-messi-4-1Rob Usry2015-09-20T22:20:22+02:002015-09-20T22:20:22+02:00Messi shines as Barça remain perfect vs Levante
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-ryFyurAXVQmhLQCwMKH-hq8v7A=/0x0:3512x2341/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47227744/GettyImages-489334564.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Alex Caparros/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Barcelona are still perfect in <i>La Liga</i> after a comfortable Sunday evening against Levante. It wasn't the usual cakewalk, mainly because the lineup was totally different and full of usual reserves, but the <i>Blaugrana</i> still cruised to a good 4-1 victory at Camp Nou, with goals from Marc Bartra, Neymar Jr. and a Lionel Messi brace, with Víctor Casadesús getting the consolation goal for the visitor. This is Barça's fourth straight league victory, and the team stands alone at the top of the table again.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>FIRST HALF</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">It's really tough sometimes to break a bus.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/">Barcelona</a> had a very good initial 45 minutes, despite the heavy rotation from coach <span>Luis Enrique</span>. A totally new defense, 4 attackers and a 4-2-3-1 lineup showed a clear look ahead to the mini-marathon of 5 games in 14 days. But Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr. were still there, and the two were very interested in the game. Both were lively and looking for each other in almost every play, and the one-twos between them created quite a few dangerous chances.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Messi especially came very close on at least four occasions, two of them on free-kick attempts, and we even saw a header! <span>Dani Alves</span> didn't seem rusty from almost a month out of the pitch, and participated well in the attack. <span>Sergio Busquets</span> and Ivan Rakitic provided good support to the forwards, and the center-back pairing of <span>Javier Mascherano</span> and <span>Marc Bartra</span> showed great awareness to find and cut off any counter-attack chances from <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/la-liga/teams/levante">Levante</a> before they became risky.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The problem is, with all of that dominance of possession and good performance by almost the whole team, the Valéncia side was very compact in front of the box, and any time Messi or Neymar found themselves with a good chance to have a shot on goal, they saw at least seven men inside the box ready to stop the shots, and that led to no goals. After a very good first half in terms of performance, the result wasn't the best.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>SECOND HALF</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">When you got so much talent, the bus is eventually broken.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The second half was set to be just like the first one: Barça on the attack, Levante on the bus. Neymar wasted a few counter-attacks, and when things started to get a little frustrating, Messi Magic happened: the Barça number 10 acted as one, and played a spectacular lob to Bartra, who chested it to himself and softly scored the opening goal. Just five minutes later, Dani Alves took his defender to dance with some sweet skill moves, and his cross eventually found Neymar, who needed two shots to finally break the barrier and bag the second. Just five minutes after that, and just 15 minutes into the closing half, Messi scored his goal via a penalty-kick, and the game was done.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Just five minutes after that, another goal, but this time it was for Levante. An errant cross to the box saw a terrible mistake by goalkeeper Ter Steger, and that left Casadesus free to score his team's lone goal. Levante got a little excited and went forward to test Barça's defense, but the <i>Blaugrana</i> struck quickly and got a penalty. It was all set up for Messi to get his brace from the spot, but he missed it horribly. He would make up for it with his trademark, run-through-the-defense-and-score-with-the-left goal in the last minute.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">With the teams settling for an acceptable score for both sides, the game eventually ended in a good, comfortable 4-1 victory, and Barça remain the only team in <i>La Liga </i>to win all four games.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Barcelona</b>: Ter Stegen; Alves, Bartra, Mascherano, Adriano; Busquets (Gumbau), Rakitic; Munir, Messi, Neymar; Sandro</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Goals: <i>Bartra (50'), Neymar (56'), Messi (p. 61', 90')</i></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Levante</b>: Rubén; López, Trujillo, Feddal, Juanfran; Camarasa (Rubén García), Verza, Lerma, Toño; Ghilas (Casadesus), Roger (Deyverson)</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Goal: <i>Casadesus (66')</i></p>
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https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2015/9/20/9361173/barcelona-levante-la-liga-final-score-instant-recapRenato Gonçalves2015-09-20T21:53:07+02:002015-09-20T21:53:07+02:00Watch: Messi's spot kick makes it 3-0<iframe src="https://vine.co/v/ePqWKlXPwpI/embed/simple" width="600" height="600"></iframe>
<div class="source source-img"><p><p>Barcelona 3-0 Levante</p></p></div>
https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2015/9/20/9361257/watch-messis-spot-kick-makes-it-3-0Rob Usry2015-09-20T21:48:16+02:002015-09-20T21:48:16+02:00Watch: Neymar bundles home the second<iframe src="https://vine.co/v/ePqzh1Zzgul/embed/simple" width="600" height="600"></iframe>
<div class="source source-img"><p><p>Barcelona 2-0 Levante</p></p></div>
https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2015/9/20/9361235/watch-neymar-bundles-home-the-secondRob Usry