Barcelona's quest to finish La Liga season unbeaten ends in surprise. Emmanuel Boateng's hat-trick helps Levante to defeat the Catalan club 5-4 in an highly exciting match.
FC Barcelona's hunt to become the 'Invincibles' this season was thwarted by an dazzling Levante side on Sunday in the Ciutat de Valencia stadium. Barca had wrapped up the Liga title two weeks ago, but Ernesto Valverde said his team were focused to become the first Spanish team to go unbeaten throughout the season since Real Madrid achieved the feat in 1931-32 season which only lasted 18 games.
Five-time Ballon D'or winner, Lionel Messi was rested for the game as the Argentina National team demanded that he takes rest. Reports say that Messi was given time off the pitch so he can be fit for their friendly against South African champions, Mamelodi Sundowns on Wednesday.
Levante got their hard fought and historic win.
Ghanaian striker Boateng netted two early goals after which Coutinho scored a goal for Barcelona before half-time. Belgian center-back Thomas Vermaelen ,who suffered an injury in the match for which he will be out for at least two weeks, was replaced by Gerard Pique in the first half.
Bardhi gained a goal for Levante as soon as the second half begun and made it 3-1. Things turned worse for the Catalans when Boateng clinched his third goal and obtained a well-deserved hat-trick in the 49th minute. Bardhi completed his brace in the 56th minute and guaranteed a win for the frogs but there was still a lot of time left for a comeback.
Coutinho acquired another goal before the hour mark and brought some light into the game for Barcelona. Within a few minutes, he struck again to get Barcelona closer to their opponents on the score sheet. In the 71st minute, Barcelona were awarded a penalty which was made use of by Suarez who fired a shot in the back of the net.
After getting so close to drawing the match, Barcelona lost and their pursuit of being unbowed for the season was over. Sergio Busquets said that they have a game left and they want to make the most of it and give a good farewell to their captain Iniesta.
Levante are on 15th place in the league and will face Celta Vigo in their last match while Barcelona will face Real Sociedad at Camp Nou on Sunday.
Five-time Ballon D'or winner, Lionel Messi was rested for the game as the Argentina National team demanded that he takes rest. Reports say that Messi was given time off the pitch so he can be fit for their friendly against South African champions, Mamelodi Sundowns on Wednesday.
Levante got their hard fought and historic win.
Ghanaian striker Boateng netted two early goals after which Coutinho scored a goal for Barcelona before half-time. Belgian center-back Thomas Vermaelen ,who suffered an injury in the match for which he will be out for at least two weeks, was replaced by Gerard Pique in the first half.
Bardhi gained a goal for Levante as soon as the second half begun and made it 3-1. Things turned worse for the Catalans when Boateng clinched his third goal and obtained a well-deserved hat-trick in the 49th minute. Bardhi completed his brace in the 56th minute and guaranteed a win for the frogs but there was still a lot of time left for a comeback.
After getting so close to drawing the match, Barcelona lost and their pursuit of being unbowed for the season was over. Sergio Busquets said that they have a game left and they want to make the most of it and give a good farewell to their captain Iniesta.
Levante are on 15th place in the league and will face Celta Vigo in their last match while Barcelona will face Real Sociedad at Camp Nou on Sunday.
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