Flick admits 'not our best' as Barcelona survive Levante scare in 4–2 thriller

Posted on September 14, 2026, updated on September 14, 2026

Hansi Flick said Barcelona were “not at our best” after surviving a late scare to beat Levante 4–2 and maintain their perfect start to the LaLiga season, extending their lead at the top to three points over Real Madrid.

Xavi Espart opened the scoring in the fifth minute, before Lamine Yamal added a second in the 19th and converted a penalty 42 seconds into the second half for his third goal in three consecutive league games. Levante fought back through Iván Romero (capitalising on an Espart error) and Roger Brugué in the 88th minute, but substitute Karim Adeyemi sealed the win with a mazy solo effort in stoppage time.

Flick: “We have to be calmer at 3–0”

Flick took responsibility for the first Levante goal, saying a planned substitution was delayed. “We wanted to substitute Xavi because he was having some cramps, and I said: ‘Okay, let’s wait until the next stoppage.’ Maybe if we had changed him at that moment, we would not have conceded that goal,” he said.

“We are happy because in the end we won 4–2… We had a great start, but then in the second half we struggled a little bit. We have to be calmer at 3–0,” Flick added. “Of course, to survive this game helps us to improve. We will analyse this match and see what we have to do better.”

Yamal’s record run; Adeyemi’s “something special”

Yamal’s brace means he has now scored three doubles in his last three LaLiga matches, matching a 21st‑century club record previously set by Lionel Messi in 2012–13. Flick praised Adeyemi’s impact off the bench: “When he is focused, he is a fantastic player… You can see with the goal that he is something special.”

Anthony Gordon’s role despite goal drought

Anthony Gordon remains without a league goal but continues to start, with Flick highlighting his all‑round contribution. “He gives us a lot, especially when he receives the ball. He is always able to control it and then pass it to one of our players, and therefore keep possession,” Flick said. “As an attacker, when you have chances, you want to score. I hope he scores very soon… But I am happy with him.”