Barcelona Squeaks Past Levante Without Lionel Messi

Barcelona struggled without Lionel Messi and needed a late goal by Cesc Fabregas to secure a 1-0 win over Levante in La Liga action at the Camp Nou on Saturday.

The Liga leaders were no doubt looking ahead to the Champions League semi-final clash with Bayern Munich and left it late against the Spanish minnows.

Fabregas scored in the 84th minute to earn Barca the win and maintain its 13-point lead over eternal rivals Real Madrid.

The home side was a bit sluggish in the early going despite dominating possession but did have an excellent chance to take the lead when Andres Iniesta won a penalty.

David Villa stepped up to take the spot kick but his effort was punched away by Keylor Navas, who did ever so well to keep out the follow up by Fabregas.

Barca kept its head up though and went close when Dani Alves unleashed a ferocious drive that Navas somehow kept out. The Levante goalkeeper was the star of the show as the visitors were over the moon to go into the half-time break on level terms.

The visitors thought they had taken the lead shortly after the interval but Robert Acquafresca’s effort was ruled out correctly for offside.

Levante was content to let Barcelona string together a number of passes as the hosts could not find a way to beat Navas.

Barca turned it on in the last 10 minutes and almost took the lead when Villa’s volley sailed just over the crossbar. It looked as if the game was heading towards a 0-0 draw before Fabregas popped up to save the day.

Alexis Sanchez did well to pick out the Spanish international, who took a touch before finding the bottom corner with an expertly placed shot.

Barcelona left it late without Lionel Messi but will be hoping to have its talisman back for the Champions League showdown with Bayern Munich next week.