Barça’s Unbeaten Streak at Johan Cruyff Comes to an End in Thrilling Draw Against Levante

Barcelona’s historic run at the Johan Cruyff Stadium faced its conclusion against Levante. The blue and red squad couldn’t secure more than a draw, a result that felt like defeat for them but glory for the ‘Granotas,’ the only team unbeaten in the Culés’ fortress after eighty matches.

In a thrilling encounter, the first of two this week, the gala eleven was essential. The same lineup from the Supercopa that secured Barcelona’s first title this season out of the four up for grabs. With Engen and Paredes forming an indisputable central defensive duo and a trident attack featuring Graham, Mariona, and Salma.

Both teams emerged with offensive strategies, playing from the back and applying high pressure to disrupt the opponent’s ball distribution. Barcelona dominated, monopolizing possession more effectively than the ‘Granotas’ in breaking lines, with Ona Batlle proving formidable on the left flank. Although it took fifteen minutes to consistently threaten Tarazona’s goal, the nineteen-year-old goalkeeper, starting due to Holmgren and Paraluta’s absences.

Salma opens the scoring and could extend the lead Leire Baños committed a penalty on Paredes – a hug and a takedown – that the referee missed, and three minutes later, Barcelona found the net. Salma Paralluelo, receiving a pass from Graham, who added another assist, scored with her left foot from Tarazona’s right side. The 125th goal for Barcelona this season across all competitions.

Before halftime, Aitana had a chance with a left-footed shot from inside the box, cleared for a corner by Levante’s defense. Mariona also attempted a long-range shot, saved by Antonia. Érika from Levante had barely approached Cata Coll’s goal, generating little danger. Salma scored Barcelona’s second just before halftime, but it didn’t count as the referee had already signaled the end of the first half. And Alba Redondo leveled the score. The second half followed a similar script, with heightened intensity from Jonatan Giráldez’s team, finding Graham more frequently. The Norwegian and Mariona had opportunities for the second goal, but it was Alba Redondo who scored to equalize after outrunning Paredes in a sprint. Érika’s well-timed through ball was half the battle.

As minutes passed and time ran out, Giráldez brought in Ari Arias, a goal-focused player, in a desperate attempt to break the deadlock. The Johan crowd cheered intensely. Vicky López had the victory at her feet but narrowly missed it. A disappointing outcome.