4 December 2006, by Sean Gillen

Deco strikes but Barcelona are held

Levante 1-1 Barcelona

Champions Barcelona’s lead at the top of La Liga was cut to just one point after they were held by a battling Levante side at the Ciudad de Valencia. Deco’s sublime free-kick had given the Catalans a first half lead, but the hosts were well worth their 77th minute equaliser provided by Alvaro.

Barca manager Frank Rijkaard clearly had one eye on Tuesday’s crucial Champions League showdown with Werder Bremen, resting star man Ronaldinho for the trip south to play the newly promoted outfit.

The visitors dominated possession in the early stages, and could have taken the lead on 12 minutes when Deco’s brilliant diagonal pass in behind the Levante left-back found Ludovic Giuly, but the French winger lashed the ball over the bar.

The biggest problems to the Barca backline were caused by Levante forward Mustapha Riga, with the best chance coming after a sweeping counter attack put the Dutchman through on goal, but Barca ‘keeper Victor Valdes did well to close him down and block the finish.

After Levante had enjoyed a good period of pressure following the half hour mark, Deco gave his side the lead with a stunning free-kick. The former Porto man had been on the receiving end of several late challenges, and drew another 25 metres from goal. With Ronaldinho out, the Brazilian born midfielder took up the responsibility and curled home an inch-perfect effort off the inside of the post.

Levante rallied after the break, and Riga was again guilty of making poor use of good time and space in the final third, although his seemingly harmless shot from the edge of the area did take a deflection off Barca defender Lillian Thuram before flying narrowly over the bar. French midfielder Laurent Courtois then had a superb effort palmed over by Valdes.

Ezquerro went close for Barca will a tremendous chipped effort, before the hosts made their pressure count with an equaliser fifteen minutes from time. Substitute Olivier Kapo’s free-kick was saved by Valdes, but after a scramble in the box, defender Alvaro stabbed in from close range.

The result means that Barca’s arch rivals Real Madrid move to within a point of the champions, although all of the Catalans’ attention will now switch to their upcoming Champions League showdown with Werder Bremen. The Spaniards must win to avoid becoming the first holders to exit the competition at the group stage.

Levante:
Molina, Alexis, Alvaro, Fernando Nino, Rubiales, Descarga, Berson, Camacho, Courtois (Meyong, 72), Carmelo (Ettien, 59), Mustapha (Kapo, 63)
Yellow Cards: Berson (89)

Barcelona:
Valdes, Belletti, Sylvinho (Zambrotta, 71), Puyol, Thuram, Edmilson, Iniesta, Xavi, Deco (Oleguer, 71), Giuly (Ezquerro, 60), Gudjohnsen
Yellow Cards: Puyol (76), Thuram (92)

Goals:
[0-1] Deco, 41
[1-1] Alvaro, 77