Levante vs Barcelona: Xavi Espart Scores First Barca Goal Before Error Gives Hosts Hope in 4-2 Win

Barcelona stayed perfect in LaLiga with a 4-2 win at Levante on Sunday, in a night that saw 19-year-old Xavi Espart score his first senior goal for the club before a late mistake helped the hosts back into the match.

Espart struck inside five minutes to set Barcelona on their way, then misplaced a pass that led to Levante's first goal as Hansi Flick's side were forced to hold on before sealing the points in stoppage time.

Lamine Yamal scored twice after Espart's fifth-minute opener, putting Barcelona 3-0 ahead. Levante struck twice late on before Karim Adeyemi secured the victory in stoppage time.

Espart's First Goal Gives Barcelona Early Lead

Barcelona needed only five minutes to open the scoring at the Ciutat de València. Espart found space near the edge of the penalty area and drove a low right-footed shot past Mathew Ryan. The effort took a slight deflection.

It was Espart's first goal for Barcelona's senior side. The La Masia graduate joined Barcelona's academy in 2015 and was born on 21 May 2007. He made his first-team debut against Newcastle United in the Champions League in March. He has since gained further minutes with Hansi Flick's squad.

Barcelona doubled their lead in the 19th minute. Raphinha moved into the box and cut the ball back for Yamal, who finished from close range.

Levante improved before half-time and pushed higher up the pitch.

The hosts found more space in the final third, but Barcelona reached the interval with a 2-0 lead. Andreas Christensen replaced Gerard Martín at half-time.

Barcelona struck again 42 seconds after the restart. Aïssa Mandi fouled Yamal inside the penalty area, and the winger converted from the spot.

The goal completed Yamal's brace and gave Barcelona a 3-0 advantage. Levante still had more than 40 minutes to respond.

Levante Fight Back After Espart Error

Levante kept pressing and gradually forced Barcelona deeper. The hosts were rewarded in the 79th minute after an error from Espart. He misplaced a pass intended for Christensen, allowing Iván Romero to intercept. Romero rounded Joan García and finished into the empty net to make it 3-1.

Levante scored again nine minutes later, in the 88th minute. Roger Brugué fought through several challenges before finding the net. His goal cut Barcelona's lead to one and created a tense finish.

Flick later accepted responsibility for Levante's first goal. He said Espart had asked to come off before making the mistake. Barcelona's staff had prepared the substitution but delayed the change.

Espart's error came after an important contribution earlier in the match. His opener gave Barcelona an immediate advantage and marked another step in his move into senior football. Barcelona promoted Espart permanently to the senior squad in August. He had made six first-team appearances during the previous campaign.

Adeyemi ended Levante's comeback hopes in stoppage time. The substitute carried the ball forward from near halfway, then beat Mandi with a backheel. He then finished calmly to make it 4-2.

Barcelona Maintain Perfect LaLiga Start

The victory gave Barcelona five wins from their opening five LaLiga matches. They remained three points clear of Real Madrid after taking the maximum 15 points. Barcelona also extended their winning start to six matches in all competitions this season. Espart's first senior goal added another contribution from one of the club's younger players.

Levante could not complete the comeback despite scoring twice in the closing stages. Their late pressure forced Barcelona into a difficult finish before Adeyemi settled the match. Barcelona return to LaLiga action against Racing Santander at Spotify Camp Nou on Wednesday, 16 September. Levante also play that day when they host Athletic Club.