Luuk de Jong of Barcelona scored a late header to give his team a 3-2 victory over struggling Levante in a game that went back and forth all night. His team took three penalties, but they still won the game.
Barcelona became the first side in La Liga to win a match after conceding three penalties, and De Jong’s late goal handed them their seventh straight league victory, propelling them into second place with 60 points after 30 games.
They are still a long way behind leaders Real Madrid, who have 72 points from 31 games following a 2-0 home victory over Getafe on Saturday.
With 22 points, Levante is ranked 19th.
A penalty from captain Jose Luis Morales gave Levante an unexpected but well-deserved lead against Barcelona in the 52nd minute. Dani Alves was fouled, giving Morales the chance to make the goal.
Moments later, the hosts were given a second penalty for a handball by Eric Garcia, who had already prevented Levante from taking the lead by scrambling Morales’ shot off the line in the first half.
This time, forward Roger Marti attempted to grab it, but Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen thwarted him. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang knocked home an Ousmane Dembele cross in the 59th minute to make Levante pay.
Pedri, a 17-year-old midfielder, then gave Barcelona the lead in the 63rd minute, blasting a first-time shot into the bottom corner after being set up by Gavi, who was also introduced in the second half off the bench.
Levante’s Dani Gomez intercepted a through ball and was tripped by Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet, awarding Levante their third second-half penalty.
Gonzalo Melero came on as goalkeeper in the 83rd minute and scored against Ter Stegen.
De Jong headed a Jordi Alba cross into the bottom corner in the second minute of stoppage time, ending an exciting match.
Barca coach Xavi stated, “The fact that we won despite conceding three penalties demonstrates our competitiveness and winning mindset.”
“I was worried about this game since Levante is a challenging team with outstanding players who have defeated Villarreal and Atletico Madrid. We’ve accumulated three valuable points that keep us in the game. “
When asked about Barcelona’s chances of catching runaway leaders Real, though, the coach added: “It’s really tough because Real Madrid seldom makes mistakes.” However, if they fall a few points over the next two weeks, we may begin to believe more. “