Fatigued Barcelona learn an important lesson against an energetic Levante

Kudos to Levante. They went at Barcelona directly, and had a shot of taking something from the game.

For the first time this season, the Blaugrana looked vulnerable.

Up until now, Barcelona has made winning look relatively easy. This game at the Ciutat de Valencia was a reminder that you can never take your opponent for granted.

The home crowd were hostile and rocking with energy from the first whistle. The Levante players followed suit with a confident high press that gave Barcelona problems.

In the first half, the Blaugrana were able break the press, and luckily were clinical with the chances they created. Levante, however, never gave up on the game plan.

Truth be told, both teams were sloppy. All four of Barcelona’s goals came from mistakes or simply bad defending. Credit to them, they made Levante pay for it.

What this game makes you wonder is what could happen in the future against a more talented opponent who employs similar tactics.

Barcelona looked tired. It’s a reminder that rotation is good, not just to rest players, but as a way to hold everyone accountable for their performances.

Anthony Gordon has Karim Adeyemi nipping at his heels. Likewise for Fermín López and Dani Olmo.

Defensively, Xavi Espart went from hero to zero against Valencia. He scored his first goal, and then gave one away in the second half. As mature and promising as he has been this season, he is still new to the first team. It’s great that João Cancelo is there to bring experience when needed.

Even Pedri and Rodri looked a bit off. This is the area where Barca can’t afford to be poor, because the backups are a significant drop off in quality.

Maybe given the context of the game, Gavi would have been a better substitute than Marc Bernal. Regardless, both of them have a challenge in front of themselves to prove they can be counted on so that Rodri and Pedri can get a break from time to time.

The good news, even Barcelona on a bad day is still a very hard team to defeat, so long as they’re still scoring goals.

Lamine Yamal is clicking. Raphinha had his first scoreless game, but continues to be both dangerous and a leader.

There will be games like this where you tip your hat to the opponent for their grit and determination. But you still have to win.

The story will be written not just by the electrifying games Barca has, but their ability to dig deep and win ugly when necessary.

Three points is three points.

With Racing Santander and Sevilla up next, let’s see if Barcelona cleans things up and get back to their best. After that it’s the international break, followed by bigger challenges on the calendar.

Now is the time to push and continue building on their historic start to the season.