Barcelona 1 (C. Fabregas 84’) Levante 0
Barcelona moved within six points of regaining the Spanish title as they laboured to a win over Levante thanks to a late strike from Cesc Fabregas.
The highlight of the evening was the sight of Eric Abidal making his first start after undergoing a liver transplant more than a year ago, and the French defender produced an impressively assured and fleet-footed display.
Other than that, it was a mediocre performance against a Levante side whose absence of attacking intentions created a dull spectacle, especially in a second half that was virtually devoid of incident until Fabregas popped up with the winner.
The opening period was far more entertaining as Barca created and wasted several chances to take the lead. Their first opening came when Cristian Tello’s cross was deflected high in the air, allowing Thiago Alcantara to run onto the ball and attempt a volley which Levante stopper Keilor Navas stretched to smother.
Barca then failed to profit from a softly awarded penalty after Andres Iniesta went sprawling under the challenge of Papakouli Diop. There was minimal contact so justice was probably done when Navas guessed the right way to keep out David Villa’s tame spot-kick and then got quickly to his feet to deflect Fabregas’ shot on the rebound.
Dani Alves then took advantage of a rare opportunity to demonstrate his set-piece prowess by forcing a good diving stop from Navas with a free-kick from 30 yards.
Barca again went close when Thiago chested down inside the area for Villa to strike firmly goalwards only for visiting captain Juan Fran to block, and the final opportunity of the opening period came when the impressive Alex Song found Villa, whose strike was awkwardly kept out by Navas.
The home team were decidedly flat during an uneventful start to the second half and coach Tito Vilanova reacted by introducing Xavi from the bench. But the presence of the veteran pass master failed to ignite Barca, with Levante looking comfortable as they kept 10 men firmly behind the ball.
Barca finally fashioned a clear chance when substitute Alexis Sanchez did well to cross from the byline but Villa skied his half-volley well over the bar.
And Sanchez was again the provider when the breakthrough finally came, sliding a good pass into the area for Fabregas, who controlled and placed a firm low shot with perfect precision into the bottom left corner.
Fabregas came close to a second with a low drive that Navas pushed aside, and the visiting keeper then did well to tip over Pedro’s follow-up effort.
MAN OF THE MATCH - Eric Abidal (Barcelona)
It’s something of a miracle that Eric Abidal was even on the pitch after undergoing a liver transplant last year, and the fact that the Frenchman can still perform at such a high level is truly astounding. True, Levante were hardly gung-ho in attack, but Abidal did everything he needed to with calm assurance and impressive athleticism.
MATCH VERDICT
Both teams appeared to have other things on their minds in a sluggish encounter – Barca were playing within themselves ahead of Tuesday’s daunting trip to Bayern Munich, while Levante look ready for the beach after a long slog of a season which included their first foray into the Europa League.
Barcelona moved within six points of regaining the Spanish title as they laboured to a win over Levante thanks to a late strike from Cesc Fabregas.
The highlight of the evening was the sight of Eric Abidal making his first start after undergoing a liver transplant more than a year ago, and the French defender produced an impressively assured and fleet-footed display.
Other than that, it was a mediocre performance against a Levante side whose absence of attacking intentions created a dull spectacle, especially in a second half that was virtually devoid of incident until Fabregas popped up with the winner.
The opening period was far more entertaining as Barca created and wasted several chances to take the lead. Their first opening came when Cristian Tello’s cross was deflected high in the air, allowing Thiago Alcantara to run onto the ball and attempt a volley which Levante stopper Keilor Navas stretched to smother.
Barca then failed to profit from a softly awarded penalty after Andres Iniesta went sprawling under the challenge of Papakouli Diop. There was minimal contact so justice was probably done when Navas guessed the right way to keep out David Villa’s tame spot-kick and then got quickly to his feet to deflect Fabregas’ shot on the rebound.
Dani Alves then took advantage of a rare opportunity to demonstrate his set-piece prowess by forcing a good diving stop from Navas with a free-kick from 30 yards.
Barca again went close when Thiago chested down inside the area for Villa to strike firmly goalwards only for visiting captain Juan Fran to block, and the final opportunity of the opening period came when the impressive Alex Song found Villa, whose strike was awkwardly kept out by Navas.
The home team were decidedly flat during an uneventful start to the second half and coach Tito Vilanova reacted by introducing Xavi from the bench. But the presence of the veteran pass master failed to ignite Barca, with Levante looking comfortable as they kept 10 men firmly behind the ball.
Barca finally fashioned a clear chance when substitute Alexis Sanchez did well to cross from the byline but Villa skied his half-volley well over the bar.
And Sanchez was again the provider when the breakthrough finally came, sliding a good pass into the area for Fabregas, who controlled and placed a firm low shot with perfect precision into the bottom left corner.
Fabregas came close to a second with a low drive that Navas pushed aside, and the visiting keeper then did well to tip over Pedro’s follow-up effort.
MAN OF THE MATCH - Eric Abidal (Barcelona)
It’s something of a miracle that Eric Abidal was even on the pitch after undergoing a liver transplant last year, and the fact that the Frenchman can still perform at such a high level is truly astounding. True, Levante were hardly gung-ho in attack, but Abidal did everything he needed to with calm assurance and impressive athleticism.
MATCH VERDICT
Both teams appeared to have other things on their minds in a sluggish encounter – Barca were playing within themselves ahead of Tuesday’s daunting trip to Bayern Munich, while Levante look ready for the beach after a long slog of a season which included their first foray into the Europa League.
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