Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

As it happenedended

Barcelona vs Levante result: Lionel Messi helps Barca wrap up title with three matches to spare

Relive the action as Barcelona win another league title

Kishan Vaghela
Saturday 27 April 2019 16:50 EDT
Comments
A young Lionel Messi plays for FC Barcelona in 2004/05

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.

Lionel Messi scored to help Barcelona clinch the Spanish league title after beating Levante 1-0 at Camp Nou on Saturday, cementing Barca’s status as the dominant club in Spain for more than a decade.

Introduced at half-time, Messi finally broke the deadlock when his shot beat Levante goalkeeper Aitor Fernandez in the 62nd minute to start the celebrations at the Camp Nou.

Messi's league-leading 34th goal was his 46th in all competitions this season.

Barcelona's win puts the club nine points ahead of second-placed Atletico Madrid with three matches left to play.

Atletico beat Valladolid 1-0 earlier, forcing Barcelona to need a victory to wrap up the title this weekend before the club turns its attention to its upcoming European clash with Liverpool.

Barcelona won their second straight league title since Ernesto Valverde took over at the start of last season. It was also their eighth Liga crown in 11 years, a period during which Real Madrid has won two and Atletico one. Barcelona has 26 league titles, second only to Madrid's 33.

Barcelona are trying to complete a rare sweep of all three major titles this season. They host Liverpool on Wednesday in the opening match of their Champions League semi-final, and can win a fifth consecutive Copa del Rey if they beats Valencia in the final on May 25. Relive the action below.


Relive the action above.

Airborne

Kishan Vaghela27 April 2019 20:26

42 min: Barcelona 0-0 Levante

CROSSBAR!

That's the closest we have come to a goal here. Phillipe Coutinho steps up following a foul on Suarez and whips a free-kick just outside the area onto the woodwork.

Aitor Fernandez for once was beaten.

Kishan Vaghela27 April 2019 20:28

I wonder what a certain Liverpool Egyptian would make of that ahead of Wednesday

Kishan Vaghela27 April 2019 20:32

Half Time: Barcelona 0-0 Levante

Despite some glorious chances and a dominant display, the breakthrough hasn't quite come for Barcelona as they look to seal a second La Liga title in a row.

Phillipe Coutinho has come the closest to scoring by hitting the bar with a free-kick which was whipped onto the bar, but the Brazilian was also guilty of squandering the easiest chance of the half, heading a cross from the left straight into the hands of Aitor Fernandez six yards out.

Ousmane Dembele, Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba have looked dangerous every time they have received the ball, but are yet to find a way past the Levante keeper.

Time for Messi soon?

Kishan Vaghela27 April 2019 20:32

Some 91,917 people inside the Camp Nou tonight, the seventh time more than 90,000 spectators have attended a game at the Camp Nou this season, and the fifth time in the last six games.

Kishan Vaghela27 April 2019 20:39

A frustrating night for the Brazilian so far. Can he find a way past Fernandez tonight?

Kishan Vaghela27 April 2019 20:43

Out of puff

Kishan Vaghela27 April 2019 20:44

46 min: Barcelona 0-0 Levante

LIONEL MESSI TIME!

The Argentine has to wait no longer as a rapturous roar goes around the Camp Nou, introduced at half-time in place of Coutinho, who will not get any further chances to try and beat Fernandez.

Morales also comes on for the visitors in place of Simon Moses.

We're also back underway for the second half.

Kishan Vaghela27 April 2019 20:48

50 min: Barcelona 0-0 Levante

No surprise that Messi's influence on this half has already been immense.

Surrounded by five opposition players, the Argentine manages to find Dembele after a bursting run.

Suarez was free at the back post but Dembele cannot quite pick him out.

Kishan Vaghela27 April 2019 20:53

52 min: Barcelona 0-0 Levante

Messi involved again and this time he goes for goal himself, but his shot is very weak and is easily collected by Aitor Fernandez.

Just the Argentine warming up I expect.

Kishan Vaghela27 April 2019 20:54

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in