Ronald Koeman says Barcelona can still win LaLiga title despite poor start leaving them eighth
Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad have been the early pace-setters in Spain’s top flight
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Ronald Koeman insisted Barcelona are still in the LaLiga title hunt after a hard-fought 1-0 home win over Levante.
Barcelona had to rely on a late moment of magic from Lionel Messi to see off Levante, who remain in the relegation zone after a 16th straight defeat at the Nou Camp.
The win moves Barcelona up to eighth and to within nine points of top two Real Sociedad and Atletico Madrid, the latter having lost 2-0 to city rivals Real Madrid on Saturday.
READ MORE: Teams, time, date and how to watch the Champions League last-16 draw
"Of course we can win (the title)," Koeman said at his post-match press conference.
"If we improve and we have more confidence and we improve our effectiveness (in front of goal), there's a chance.
"There are still lots of games left remaining. We know our situation in the league
"We knew after we lost against Cadiz we had to win and let's hope that is good for the confidence."
Messi's winner, a crisp shot off the far post 14 minutes from time, was only his fifth league goal of the season.
"You have to realise they don't make it easy for him," said Koeman, who sent on defender Samuel Umtiti in the closing moments to protect Barcelona's lead.
"He's marked by lots (of players). But he's shown he's decisive.
Barcelona are at home to Real Sociedad on Wednesday and full-back Jordi Alba believes the Catalans are heading in the right direction.
Alba told Movistar LaLiga: "The level of the league is good and we are on the right road to move up the table.
"Regardless of what happened in the Madrid derby, we have to do things the right way.
"If we do we'll be up there. We've dropped too many points, that is clear.
"But the league is very open. This year there are teams who have never been as high in the table and they are up there at the moment."
Levante beat Getafe 3-0 last weekend, but that was only their second win of the campaign and the Valencia-based side remain two points from safety.
Goalkeeper Aitor Fernandez said: "We should take pride from the fact they ended the game with three centre-backs.
"That speaks well of the way we played and the game that we played. We made one mistake and they scored, but we must keep showing the same attitude.
"We wanted to move away from the bottom and it was a shame we could not do that."
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments