Levante 3-3 Barcelona: 5 Talking points as Blaugrana lose ground in title race | La Liga 2020-21

Levante UD vs FC Barcelona - La Liga Santander
Levante UD vs FC Barcelona - La Liga Santander

#3 Ousmane Dembele produces a clinical display for Barcelona

Levante UD vs FC Barcelona - La Liga Santander
Levante UD vs FC Barcelona - La Liga Santander

Ousmane Dembele was one of the best Barcelona players against Levante. The young winger started on the right-flank in a wing-back role. Though he underwhelmed in defence, Dembele was clinical in the final third, picking up an assist and a goal.

His ability to run with the ball was key in Barcelona scoring their second goal. Dembele sprinted into the opposition box, leaving Levante defenders in his wake. Spotting goalkeeper Aitor Fernández off his line, Dembele teed up Pedri, who produced an unerring finish.

The Frenchman also got his name on the scoresheet in the 64th minute. The goal stood after a quick VAR check. Unfortunately, Barcelona could not hold on to their lead as they had to settle for a share of the spoils.


#4 Lionel Messi all but assured of his eighth Pichichi trophy

Levante UD vs FC Barcelona - La Liga Santander
Levante UD vs FC Barcelona - La Liga Santander

Lionel Messi opened the scoring for Barcelona. The Blaugrana captain was at the right place at the right time, as a deflected cross fell kindly for him; Messi caught the ball on the volley with his left foot to score his 29th of the campaign.

The Argentine is now eight clear of Karim Benzema in the 2020-21 La Liga scoring charts. With only two more rounds of games remaining, Messi is on the cusp of a record-extending eighth Pichichi trophy.

While Messi might end up winning the individual accolade, Barcelona could fall short in a thrilling La Liga title race.


#5 La Liga title slipping out of Barcelona's grasp

FC Barcelona drew 3-3 at UD Levante.
FC Barcelona drew 3-3 at UD Levante.

Barcelona squandered a golden opportunity to go atop the league standings. They led by two goals at the break and then 3-2 with less than half an hour remaining, but the Blaugrana failed to make their ascendancy count.

With just two games left to play this season, Barcelona now need both Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid to drop points in their next few games, which seems like an unlikely proposition.

Veteran Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets has admitted that the chances of his team winning the league title this season are very slim. In the post-match conference following the Levante game, he said:

"There are very few options for us to win the league now. The point means very little to us. We weren't precise with our passing, and they took full advantage. We had our chances, but we paid for our mistakes - we've not had a good second half."

The title race is not over yet, but Barcelona have ceded ground with one loss and two draws in their last four games.


Also Read: Top 10 football players with the most fans in the world.

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