Barcelona welcomed Levante to the Camp Nou in their first match of the league season on Sunday.
The home side were six goals ahead at the interval with Alexis Sanchez, Lionel Messi (2) Dani Alves, Pedro and Xavi finding the back of the net in an utterly dominant half of football.
Levante improved defensively in the second period, but they could not keep a clean sheet in the second 45 minutes as Pedro added his second with 20 minutes remaining.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! The first of our three back-to-back live commentaries in La Liga comes from the Camp Nou as last season’s champions Barcelona welcome Levante. It has been a summer of change at the Catalan outfit with a new manager and a new Brazilian superstar, but they will be expected to improve in the Champions League this time around.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, it does not make pleasant reading for Levante. Barcelona have won each of the last four matches, but they needed a late strike from Cesc Fabregas to pick up all three points in the corresponding match last season. Levante did pick up a point against Barcelona in May 2011, but that was on their own patch.
TEAMS:
BARCELONA: Valdes, Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Adriano; Fabregas, Xavi, Busquets; Pedro, Sanchez, Messi
LEVANTE: Navas; Juanfran, Rodas, Lopez, Navarro; Sergio, Xumetra, Ruben, El Zhar, Simao; Barral
So there we have it. No spot in the starting XI for Neymar, but Alexis Sanchez is handed a start after an impressive pre-season. Andres Iniesta is also on the bench, but Cesc Fabregas does start despite having to pull out of the Spain squad last week. For Levante, Simao, Nabil El Zhar and Pedro Lopez are all handed roles from the onset.
As mentioned, Barcelona are of course under new management this season with Gerardo Martino replacing Tito Vilanova at the helm of the club. Neymar also arrived in a big-money move from Santos, but aside from the departures of Thiago and David Villa, it is the same squad that won the title last season. Despite vast interest from Manchester United, Fabregas also remains part of the set-up at the Camp Nou.
In terms of attacking talent, it does not get much better for Barcelona. They already have one of the two best players in the world in their attack, while Neymar, who is a sensational talent, is certain to score goals for fun in the new campaign. However, you do worry about their defence, especially in the big matches. Unless they can acquire a player in the mould of Thiago Silva, they will struggle against the likes of Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.
They will expect to face sterner competition this time around, meanwhile, with Real Madrid’s challenge last season fading in the early stages of the campaign. The Catalan outfit eventually finished 15 points clear of their rivals, but I would be astounded if that was the case this season. With the talent that both sides have acquired, it promises to be a stunning season.
Levante, meanwhile, will be content with their 11th-place finish last season. It has been a case of out with the old and in with the new at Levante this summer with the likes of Sergio Ballesteros departing the Spanish outfit and David Barrral and Jordi Xumetra arriving. However, how they fare this season is not going to depend on their results at places such as the Camp Nou.
They conceded 57 times in their 38 league games last season, but they found the back of the net on just 40 occasions, one of the worst records in the division. They are not exactly a team blessed with goals, but they have added in defensive areas, which should provide them with a good base to build from. In truth, a top-half finish should be just beyond them, but the supporters will be content with another mid-table position.
Here we go then. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been expected, just about time for my pre-match prediction. Barcelona may not be in full flow at this stage of the season, but I would be utterly astounded if they were not comfortable winners this early evening in Spain. Just about two minutes from kickoff.
Just a reminder of the main team news. For Barcelona, Neymar and Iniesta are both on the bench, but Fabregas does start after recovering from a slight knock. Levante, meanwhile, hand debuts to new signings Barral and Xumetra. It must be said that there is a sensational atmosphere inside the stadium as the away side get the action underway.
New La Liga season, but some things never change at Barcelona. As expected, the home side have immediately taken control of the possession. It must be said it is a surprise not to see Neymar in the starting team, but surely the Brazilian will be seen in the second period. Levante have been chasing shadows in the opening couple of minutes.
It's good work from Pedro as the Spanish winger combines with Adriano down the right, but Navarro is across to make the clearance. The resulting corner is delivered by Xavi, but Navas is out to claim at the vital moment. You do worry for Levante if they concede in the early stages. The last thing they need is a drubbing on matchday one.
GOAL! Barcelona 1-0 Levante (Sanchez)
What was I saying? If Levante concede an early goal? Well, it has happened. Wonderful work from Xavi as the midfielder finds Fabregas, who presents Sanchez with an open goal for his first goal of the season. Now it is up to Levante to issue a response.
It is understood that Manchester United boss David Moyes is still hopeful of signing Fabregas this summer, but can anyone see it? I certainly can't. With Iniesta and Xavi unlikely to play every game, there should be a regular spot for the Spanish international. Levante simply have not started thus far as Barcelona continue to dominate the ball in the opposing half.
First real sign of Messi as the Argentine collects possession outside the box before attempting to slide a pass towards Fabregas, but Navas is out to collect at the vital moment. Ruben is involved for Levante as he slides a pass towards Barral, but Pique clears with ease. Barcelona were far from watertight in defence last season that is for certain.
Another half-chance for the home side as Xavi delivers a dangerous cross to the back post, but it just moves beyond the head of Pique, who had made a late run into the box. Messi attempts to dance into the Levante box moments later, but Pedro Lopez manages to clear at the vital moment.
It would be no exaggeration to say that Levante have simply not been in this match for a single moment thus far. Sometimes you forget just how good this Barcelona side is. However, the challenge this season will be whether they can improve on their showing in the Champions League last season. Meanwhile, Real Madrid will have something to say about their fight to retain the title.
GOAL! Barcelona 2-0 Levante (Messi)
Barcelona have their second of the evening with 12 minutes on the clock as Messi collects a pass from Alves before firing a low strike into the bottom corner. It may be a new season, but some things never change. The little Argentine has his first league goal of the new campaign.
Another half-chance for the home side as Alves strikes an effort from outside the box, but it was always moving high and wide of the target. Ruben attempts to break for Levante moments later, but Pique quells the danger with a crunching challenge. This score could be anything that Barcelona want it to be this evening there is no question about that.
First opportunity for Messi to strike a free kick from outside the box, but the Argentine can only plant his effort straight into the wall. Adriano comes close to creating another chance moments later, but the Brazilian had just moved into an offside position. It is just utter dominance from the Catalan outfit.
Just a quick word on the Barcelona bench - Pinto, Bartra, Alba, Tello, Neymar, Iniesta and Song. Players that would walk into almost any other side in Europe let along in Spain. Levante do have the likes of Pedro Rios in reserve, but I suspect it will be a containing exercise from this point forward, which is a shame with 19 minutes on the clock.
Couple of half-chances for Levante to force an opportunity on the counter, but Rodas loses possession down the right before Sergio drives a low cross into the arms of Valdes. Sanchez attempts the spectacular moments later when he collects and turns in the box, but his effort trickles past the post. Barcelona lead 2-0 with 22 minutes of football played at the Camp Nou.
Well, Levante have the opportunity to move into the Barcelona half as Barral is felled by Busquets just inside the centre circle. Ruben attempts to find Simao down the right, but it is simple for Adriano, who looks back to his goalkeeper. Not too many opportunities for the home side in the last couple of moments, but they continue to dominate the possession.
GOAL! Barcelona 3-0 Levante (Alves)
Game, set, match. As if it wasn't already. Another wonderful team goal from the home side as Messi finds Fabregas, the midfielder in turn slides it to Alves, who cannot miss as he rolls his effort into the back of the net. That is some start from the home side.
It would be fair to say that Sanchez struggled for large periods of last season, but he looks in the mood in the new campaign. Wonderful feet from the Chilean gains a free kick down the right, but Xavi's delivery is headed over the crossbar by Pique, who will surely hope to improve his goal tally this season when taking into account the number of times he moves forward. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining at the Camp Nou.
GOAL! Barcelona 4-0 Levante (Pedro)
Well, that is four goals in 26 minutes for Barcelona. Wonderful pass from Messi as the Argentine slides a low pass towards Pedro, who sweeps a wonderful effort into the bottom corner. What on earth is going on in that Levante defence?!
Levante have the ball in the Barcelona half as Ruben chips a cross towards Barral, but Pique is comfortable in dealing with the danger. Barral is lucky to escape a booking moments later, meanwhile, when the striker fells Busquets. I would be surprised if we ended this match with 22 players on the park truth be told.
Barcelona have had around 80% of the possession thus far, yes 80. What on earth can Levante do? Well, they are not going to get back into the match that is for certain, but they are attempting to contain and it is inviting the Spanish champions forward. If Barcelona continue at this level, they could hit double figures this evening there is no question about that.
Another half-chance for the home side to add number five as Messi collects possession in the box before chipping an effort towards the top corner, but Navas manages to make a fine save at the vital moment. The resulting corner is whipped dangerously into the box by Xavi, but Pedro Lopez is on hand to clear. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining.
Another half-chance for Barcelona to add number five as Messi stands over a free kick outside the penalty area, but the Argentine instead leaves it to Xavi, whose effort is tipped over the crossbar by Navas. Another corner follows, but the Levante back four have been aerially solid thus far. Shame about on the deck.
Obviously the match is over as a contest, but you never feel confident that Barcelona will keep a clean sheet, which should hand Levante some confidence. Even if they lose this 5-1, at least they would have opened their tally for the season. However, they could attempt to attack and end up losing 7-0 or worse. I am glad it is not my problem to solve!
Barral again attempts to force the issue for the away side as the number seven, who is a new signing at Levante, collects possession on the right before attempting to slide a pass towards El Zhar, but it is just too long for the former Liverpool midfielder. Barcelona continue to dominate possession with little under five minutes of the first period remaining.
PENALTY TO BARCELONA!
GOAL! Barcelona 5-0 Levante (Messi)
Barcelona have their fifth of the half as Messi converts from the penalty spot after Lopez had felled Adriano inside the box. It was a nothing challenge, the Brazilian was going nowhere. Well, that is number five for the Catalan outfit.
In case you have joined us late, the score is not wrong. It is indeed 5-0 to Barcelona in the latter stages of the first period. The fact that it has not flattered the home side is perhaps the most worrying aspect for Levante. Not too much added time expected in the final moments of the first half.
GOAL! Barcelona 6-0 Levante (Xavi)
Barcelona have their sixth of the evening in the latter stages of the first period as Fabregas finds Xavi, who coolly finishes under the goalkeeper from close range. Wow, just wow.
HALF-TIME: Barcelona 6-0 Levante
Well, what else is there to say? Barcelona have put in some stunning performances in recent seasons, but I cannot remember the last time they were 6-0 ahead at the interval. Messi has got his season underway with two goals, while Sanchez, Alves, Pedro and Xavi have also got in on the act.
STATISTICS: The home side have had 80% of the possession in the first period, while they have had 11 attempts to Levante's zero. The most worrying aspect for Levante and indeed the rest of the division is that I have seen Barcelona play better than this. Their finishing has just been utterly fabulous in the first 45 minutes of football.
I usually don't like to make assumptions, but I think it would be safe to assume that Barcelona will win this match. That places the emphasis on Real Madrid, who host Real Betis in an 8pm start. Then comes the final match of the evening as Sevilla host Atletico Madrid. Be sure to remain with us until 12am and you will not miss a moment.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. I backed a comfortable Barcelona win before kickoff. Well, what is comfortable? Around 3-0? I certainly did not expect this utter domination. Can Levante respond in the second period? Barcelona get the half underway at the Camp Nou.
No changes for either side at the interval, which is not too much of a surprise. However, I am certain that we will see Neymar sooner rather than later. What about the personal battle between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for the Golden Boot? Messi already has two and could and probably should add to it in the second half.
Excuse me, there was indeed one change at the interval with Miguel Pallardo replacing Pinto for the away side. Early opportunity for Levante to whip a dangerous cross into the box as El Zhar collects possession on the right, but the former Liverpool midfielder can only whip his cross into the arms of the waiting Valdes.
Levante make another change in the early stages of the second period as Issam El Adoua replaces Simao. Only one change remaining for the away side with around 40 minutes of football left to play. You just get the feeling that if Barcelona score again within the next couple of minutes, then they really could get double figures. Or will they attempt to conserve energy for the tougher tests ahead?
Better from the away side in the last couple of moments with Barral twice forcing corners down the right. However, the first is headed clear by Pique before Valdes comes a long way to claim the second. Not too much from Barcelona in terms of opportunities in the last few minutes, but I suspect the seventh goal could be just moments away.
Half-chance for the home side as Fabregas drives into the box before finding Messi, but the Argentine just cannot chip his effort over the crossbar. Good grief Fabregas has been just stunning in the first 56 minutes of this La Liga fixture. Little under 35 minutes for Levante to quell the danger. Can they find a consolation?
Barcelona continue to pen the opposition into their own penalty area with a number of corners, but it would be fair to say that aerially ability is not their strength. Pique does have a half-chance moments later as he meets a bouncing ball from close range, but El Zhar manages to make a block at the vital moment.
Another half-chance for Pique, who continues to stride forward, as the Barcelona defender bursts into the box before chipping an effort towards the top corner, but once more Navas is on hand to make the save. He may have conceded six times, but the Levante stopper made some fine saves thus far, which makes it even more worrying for teams in La Liga.
A wonderful passing move results in Pedro striking a powerful effort from outside the box, but it just deflects off Rodas before moving behind for yet another corner. It is that man Pique who causes problems in the box, but Ruben Garcia manages to scramble clear. Much better defending from Levante in the second period.
Again it is just sensational from Messi as the Argentine collects possession outside the box before driving past three defenders, but his effort is straight into the arms of the goalkeeper. We are getting to the stage in the match where Martino will surely be considering changes. It would be the perfect opportunity to give Neymar the opportunity to open his league tally for the club.
Another half-chance for Barcelona as Fabregas clips an effort towards the top corner, but once more Navas makes the save. Meanwhile, a big moment for Brazilian striker Neymar, as the youngster is introduced in place of Sanchez, who has been impressive. More than 25 minutes for the former Santos forward to open his tally. Who would bet against it?
Levante follow with their third and final change moments later as Andreas Ivanschitz enters the field in place of El Zhar, who has struggled to influence proceedings. Neymar is given a welcome to La Liga, meanwhile, as the Brazilian is chopped down by Rodas. The resulting free kick is taken by Messi, but his effort is straight into the wall.
Rodas is eventually handed a yellow card as the Levante defender chops down Fabregas outside the box. The resulting free kick is taken by Xavi, but his effort is straight into the wall. Messi has another half-chance moments later, but once more his effort is saved by Navas. Much better from Levante in this second period.
Barcelona want another penalty as Busquets hits the deck in the penalty area, but the referee is not interested. Replays have suggested that the Spaniard was indeed tugged by Rodas in the box, but it would have been a harsh decision. Little over 15 minutes remaining of what has been a low-key second period.
GOAL! Barcelona 7-0 Levante (Pedro)
Barcelona have their seventh of the evening as Fabregas collects a loose pass from Rodas before finding Pedro, who taps home from close range. Moments before the home side had made their second change of the evening with Iniesta entering the field in place of Messi.
Well, Levante have certainly defended better in the second period, but their resistance has been broken. Nothing better than getting your goal difference up on the opening weekend of the season. I suspect that we could see a couple more before the end of the action inside the Camp Nou.
Barcelona continue to pass and probe outside the Levante penalty area with the away side simply unable to comprehend the movement from the Spanish champions. Third and final change for the home side moments later as Tello enters the field in place of Pedro.
Not too much from Neymar since the Brazilian entered the field, but it is not difficult to see the quality that he possesses. I am certain that he will score a host of goals for the Spanish club this season. The match is being played at a pre-season pace at the moment with Barcelona so comfortable that it is not true.
Half-chance for Barral as the Levante forward strikes an effort from outside the box, but it was always moving high and wide of the target. Ruben Garcia is involved moments later as the midfielder spots the run of Navarro down the left, but Alves is across to clear the danger at the vital moment.
Not too much to report in terms of opportunities in the last couple of moments with Barcelona prepared to keep hold of the possession, rather than look for number eight, which would be cruel on Levante based on their performance in the second period. Little over five minutes of normal time remaining at the Camp Nou.
Half-chance for Neymar to score his first league goal for the club as he bursts into the box before attempting to find the top corner, but Navas just makes the save. Levante attempt to break down the other end with Garcia, but Valdes comes a long way to clear the danger. Barcelona simply keeping possession in the latter stages of the match.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges from Levante. However, the referee continues to use common sense when evaluating each decision. I shouldn't think that the referee will add too much time at the end of the match.
FULL-TIME: Barcelona 7-0 Levante
So there we have it. Seven of the best for Barcelona as they begin their league campaign with a 7-0 win over Levante. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for Real Madrid against Real Betis. Until then!
