Marcus Rashford was substituted at half-time on his full Barcelona debut before his side staged a stunning comeback from two goals down to beat Levante 3-2.
The on-loan Manchester United forward started on the left wing, with Raphinha deployed centrally behind Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal on the right. Rashford, however, struggled to influence proceedings during a poor first-half showing from Xavi’s side.
Levante took the lead in the 15th minute when Iván Romero created space inside the box and finished smartly. Barcelona nearly responded through Torres, who struck the crossbar, but things got worse for the visitors deep into first-half stoppage time.
After a VAR review, Alejandro Balde was penalised for handball when blocking a shot. Referee Alejandro Hernández Hernández awarded a penalty, and José Luis Morales converted to make it 2-0 at the break.
Xavi reacted by bringing on Dani Olmo and Gavi for Rashford and Marc Casado, and the changes paid immediate dividends. Pedri smashed in a brilliant long-range effort just eight minutes into the second half before Torres volleyed home an equaliser moments later.
Barcelona’s dominance continued and the comeback was completed in stoppage time. Levante defender Unai Elgezabal inadvertently headed Yamal’s dangerous cross into his own net to hand the champions all three points.
Due to La Liga kit regulations, Barcelona wore last season’s away strip as none of their three current kits provided sufficient contrast against Levante’s home colours.
