Levante UD achieved the unthinkable on February 1, 2025, by defeating FC Barcelona's women's team 2-1 at the Estadio Johan Cruyff, marking the first time Barcelona lost at home in six years. This unexpected upset not only ended Barcelona's historical unbeaten streak but also underscored the precarious position of Levante, which is fighting to avoid relegation.
The match began with FC Barcelona dominating possession as they usually do, attempting to maintain their lead at the top of the league. They had countless opportunities, hitting the post multiple times but failing to convert any meaningful chances. Their dominance was challenged by Levante's resolute defense, which managed to absorb the pressure effectively and look dangerous on the counterattack.
The game truly shifted right after halftime when Levante's captain, María Alharilla, opened the scoring. Alharilla skillfully maneuvered around the Barcelona defense and struck the ball perfectly to enter the net after hitting both posts, shocking the home crowd.
Levante did not rest on their laurels, as they doubled their lead shortly before the final whistle. Ivonne Chacón scored with another beautifully executed counterattack, showcasing the tactical prowess of give-and-go plays exploited against Barcelona’s defense. Chacón’s strike left Barcelona stunned as they faced the reality of trailing the underdog team.
With time running out, Barcelona finally managed to find the back of the net through Fridolina Rolfö, but the goal came too late to salvage points. Rolfö’s effort only served as a reminder of what could have been if the team had been more clinical throughout the match.
The final score of 2-1 left Barcelona fans, who have been used to winning at home, feeling despondent. According to Diario AS, this was only the second defeat for Barcelona this season and the first league loss at any venue since May 21, 2023. The players and coach Pere Romeu now face tough questions as they regroup after this serious setback.
Levante, currently struggling at the bottom of the league table, managed to capitalize on its limited opportunities throughout the match. The victory is particularly sweet considering their lack of wins since November 2024, and it may just be the catalyst needed to turn their season around.
This match is bound to raise discussions around Barcelona’s effectiveness against well-organized defensive setups, as they struggled to create significant scoring opportunities against Levante's low block. Despite the statistics showing Barcelona’s commendable possession and shots, it was Levante who executed their game plan to perfection.
The shockwaves from this unexpected defeat will linger for Barcelona as they’ve been the standard-setting team not only domestically but also on the European stage. Coach Romeu must address the mental aspect of the game, especially with future high-stakes matches on the horizon, including their upcoming Champions League fixtures.
Moving forward, Levante must maintain the momentum generated from this victory as they look to escape the thorny depths of the league standings. This win is historic, but the team needs to build upon this success if they wish to avoid relegation.
Both teams have significant seasons still ahead, and the dynamics of the league will likely change after this match, influencing how other clubs will strategize against FC Barcelona's women's team.