Three things we learned from Barca 2-1 Levante

Photo by Xavier Bonilla/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Ansu Fati was the match-winner for the hosts

Ansu Makes More History for Barcelona

Ansu Fati scored two goals in two minutes to send Barcelona on their way to victory against Levante and quieten his doubters after a barren spell in front of goal.

The youngster had not scored in La Liga for over four months, since bursting on to the scene with strikes against Osasuna and Valencia, but showed again his quality in front of goal.

The first came from a simply gorgeous pass from Lionel Messi and saw the teenager keep his composure to slot the ball between Aitor Fernandez’s legs with a confident finish.

His second goal was again created by Messi, although this time the finish was not quite as sweet. Aitor should probably have kept it out but again the ball went between his legs and into the back of the net for another record.

@ANSUFATI became the youngest player to score a brace in #LaLigaHistory tonight! ✌

He was the matchwinner in #BarçaLevante... pic.twitter.com/FjSZtmaKSb

— LaLiga English (@LaLigaEN) February 2, 2020

It’s easy to forget sometimes that Fati is only 17. He’s already become Barca’s youngest La Liga goalscorer this season as well as becoming the youngest goalscorer in Champions League history.

He spoke briefly after the game about his season being a “dream” and wanting to keep on learning and improving. He now has five goals in 2019-20 and his double against Levante should give him a big boost.

Semedo thrives against Levante

Nelson Semedo is another player enjoying life under Setien and had a fine game at right-back against Levante, producing one of his best performances in a Barca shirt.

The Portugal international was a constant threat down the right-hand side, setting up chances for his team-mates and going close to a goal only to see a fierce effort smash against the woodwork.

Photo by Jeroen Meuwsen/Soccrates/Getty Images

His performance saw him come in for praise from Setien after the game in his post-match press conference. The Barcelona boss was happy with his defensive display and also felt he used the space in attack well.

It was the type of showing that may convince Setien that Semedo should be his first choice right-back, and he will be hoping for an extnded run of game in the side now.

Wasteful Barca lose control

The 2-1 scoreline suggests this was a close game but really Barcelona should have been out of sight before Ruben Rochina pulled a late goal back.

Setien spoke after the win about his concern about the team’s loss of control and admitted the game could have finished “8-2 or 8-3.”

Lionel Messi had 10 shots on goal, to follow up his 11 against Leganes in the Copa del Rey, but somehow could not find the back of the net.

However, his two assists for Fati mean he now tops both the assists and goalscoring charts in La Liga.

⚽️ Most goals (14)
Most assists (8)

...and he missed the first month of the season through injury.

#LaLigaSantander pic.twitter.com/ToXoAuRHWI

— LaLiga English (@LaLigaEN) February 2, 2020

Messi was not the only one to squander good chances for the hosts. Antoine Griezmann and Fati both wasted opportunities, while Semedo was denied a brilliant goal by the crossbar. Our old friend own goal was almost on target too from a corner but missed by inches.

Barcelona’s wastefulness and desire to continue to push forwards allowed Levante chances to score and if they had netted earlier it might have been a different game. Paco Lopez felt his side could have taken a point but their performance showed Setien still has plenty of work to do.

Source: barcablaugranes.com