Barcelona stayed three points behind Real Madrid at the top of LaLiga following a 2-1 victory over Levante on Sunday with both goals coming from 17-year-old phenom Ansu Fati. Fati became the youngest-ever to register a brace in Spain’s top division, and it’s only fitting that Lionel Messi registered the assist on both goals.
The match’s first goal arrived in the 30th minute after Messi took possession inside his own half before playing an immaculate ball that dissected five Levante defenders and sent Fati on his way.
Barcelona wins at home thanks to a double from Ansu Fati
Full match highlights pic.twitter.com/osbmRMGZ31— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) February 2, 2020
One minute later, Messi drove at Levante’s defense and drew a number of players into his sphere before simply laying off for Fati to fire home from 10 yards out.
Messi and Ansu Fati get into the spirit of Groundhog Day by combining again for Barcelona's second goal! 2-0. #BarçaLevante LIVE NOW
beIN SPORTS
CONNECT https://t.co/LRYa03w6yI pic.twitter.com/irqew8Z1tZ— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) February 2, 2020
17 years and 94 days...
@ANSUFATI becomes the YOUNGEST PLAYER TO SCORE A DOUBLE in #LaLigaHistory! #BarçaLevante pic.twitter.com/nFoELcMy9N— LaLiga English (@LaLigaEN) February 2, 2020
It wasn’t Barcelona’s usual dominate display at the Camp Nou as Levante forced Marc-André ter Stegen into a couple of great stops before Rubén Rochina found a consolation goal for the visitors in the 92nd minute.
Next up for Barcelona is a difficult Copa del Rey quarterfinal assignment against Athletic Bilbao at the San Mamés on Thursday.