Similarities
Although it had been more than three years since the last Levante v Barça showdown, that match (like this one) also ended in a 3–2 victory for Barça, featuring a comeback, penalties, and a late winning goal in stoppage time. Too many similarities to ignore in two encounters that both unfolded in ways that led to an equally dramatic and joyous ending for the blaugrana.
Morales and penalties
The first clear parallel comes from Levante’s José Luis Morales. ‘El Comandante‘ found the net in both matches, and on both occasions, from the penalty spot. Three years ago, he beat Ter Stegen. This time, it was Joan García. In fact, Ter Stegen faced two penalties in that earlier fixture. Morales scored the opener to make it 1–0, but the German keeper saved one from Roger Martí just four minutes later to deny a 2–0 lead.
Pedri doubles up
Back then, under Xavi, Barça turned the game around with goals from Aubameyang and (just like yesterday) Pedri, who played a key role in both comebacks. Melero then equalised from the spot to make it 2–2 heading into stoppage time. In Flick’s version of the comeback, Barça fought back from 2–0 down at the break. Pedri and Ferran Torres levelled things up after halftime, and once again, the match reached the 90th minute with the score tied and the feeling that a winning goal was still there for the taking…
The winner
Even the winning goal has uncanny similarities. In 2022, it was Jordi Alba’s magical left foot that whipped in the perfect cross for Luuk de Jong to nod home. In 2025, it was Lamine Yamal’s wand of a left foot that delivered a ball intended for Ferran Torres, but it found Unai Elgezabal instead. The Levante defender’s touch sent the ball looping in a wicked arc over Pablo Campos and into the net. 3-2, victory sealed, and three years on, another unforgettable Barça night at the Ciutat de València.