Barca Defend Title
FC Barcelona claim their 21st title in history, third in a row (Foto: fcbarcelona.cat)
FC Barcelona have grabbed their third straight title after drawing Levante 1-1 at the Ciudad de Valencia. Keita brought the Catalans the precious point they needed to end the season first, while Caicedo scored a meaningless goal for the visitors.
Pep Guardiola’s side have clinched the title with two games left as Real Madrid remain six points behind them. Barcelona kept Iniesta on the bench throughout the entire game, but the team managed to set the pace and create plenty of chances that could have brought them even an easy win. Barcelona had the possession, but the first big opportunity belonged to Luis Garcia Plaza’s side who failed to score the opening in the 20th minute. Mascherano’s poor clearance allowed Torres to fire a volley just wide.
For Barca, a first goal was just a matter of time. Keita put the Catalans ahead eight minutes later with a lovely range header which followed Xavi’s trade-mark long-distance cross. Levante broke back right afterwards through Valdo whose powerful shot was blocked by Pique. The hosts leveled the score with five minutes left of the first half after the same Pique committed a childish error. Barca’a defender failed to control a long cross, while Valdez deflected the ball as far as Caicedo who somehow expected for an error. Levante’s striker then put it home into the empty net.
Messi, who failed to shine too bright in the first term, got his first chance in the last minute, but his finish went wide of the right post. The half time went 1-1, though more goals could have been scored. Concerning the second half, it started with Afellay’s miss. The newly-arrived Dutch created an individual exquisite the finish of which was struck just wide of the right post.
The Ballon d’Or got a second chance in the 60th minute. Messi slalomed between Levante’s defenders only to shoot it wide in what could have been another lead for the Catalans. Six minutes later a couple of yellow cards were shown for both sides. Pique was cautioned for a late challenge on Caicedo, while Ibbora was punished for a trip on Afellay.
Meanwhile, Messi was desperately chasing his first goal. The Argentine was picked 18 yards out, but his well-placed strike went just over the crossbar to his own dismay. A couple of minutes later he would mock another opportunity, firing a shot wide of the right post. Despite that, Guardiola didn’t mind leaving with a draw.
Said Xabi: “A title always feels good and this league has been very difficult to win. This team deserves so much merit. I want to congratulate all Barça supporters.” Messi looked aware that hadn’t the Catalans made the good figures against Real, Barcelona could have faced some hard times in their attempt to win the 21st title in club history. “We have worked hard against a strong rival in Madrid. Now is the time to celebrate it,” said the Ballon d’Or.
Unfortunately, Messi is far from finishing first in the top-scorers’ table. Cristiano Ronaldo leads the standings with 36 league goals, while the Argentine sits behind him with 31.
Levante UD – Munua; Juanfran, Nano, Ballesteros, Javi Venta; Xabi Torres, Iborra; Valdo, Pallardo, Xisco Nadal; Caicedo. Reserves: C. Stuani, G. Larrea, J. Montero, M. Reina, Cerra, H. Rodas, Ruben Suarez.
FC Barcelona – Victor Valdez; Dani Alves, Mascherano, Pique, Abidal, Busquets, Xabi, Keita; Villa, Afellay, Messi. Reserves: Pedro, A. Fontas, J. Pinto, A. Iniesta, M. Bartra, Thiago, Jeffren.
