Mueez Ajao
– Ansu Fati scores for Barcelona in his first game in 10 months as his side beat Levante 3-0 on Sunday.
– The 18-year-old had been out of action since last November, having suffered a torn meniscus on his left knee in a clash with Real Betis.
– The Spain international came off the bench to replace striker Luuk de Jong with less than 10 minutes left of the game and went on to score in stoppage time.
Also Read: All eyes on Ansu Fati as he replaces Messi as Barcelona’s No. 10
– Barca came into the match with just one win in five across all competitions and the club were exploring alternative options to Koeman as manager.
– But the hosts raced out of the blocks and were ahead after just six minutes when Memphis Depay won and converted a penalty following a clumsy challenge from Levante’s Nemanja Radoja.
– Barca were 2-0 up nine minutes later as fellow Netherlands forward Luuk de Jong scored his first goal for the club since joining from Sevilla on the final day of the summer transfer window.
– Sergino Dest was key in the goal as he led a counterattack and fed De Jong who coolly slotted the ball past Levante goalkeeper Aitor Fernandez.
– However, the loudest cheer of the day was reserved for the 80th minute when Ansu replaced De Jong .
– Despite the feel-good factor in Camp Nou with Ansu’s return, Barca had Marc-Andre ter Stegen to thank for maintaining their advantage as he was called upon to make two late saves.
– But Ansu, Barca’s new No. 10, made the points safe with the third in stoppage time to evoke and even more enthusiastic reaction from the supporters and went into the crowd to celebrate with his family and friends.
– This win moves Barca up to fifth in the table, five points behind Real Madrid at the top, but Barca have a game in hand.
– Next up is a trip to Benfica in the Champions League on Wednesday, before returning to LaLiga action next weekend to face Atletico.
