Barca could be champions next week

The win was deserved by Barca, who had around 80 percent of possession during the game, but struggled to create chances against a well-organized rival and the win means that Tito Vilanova's side could be crowned as BBVA Champions next Saturday if they win in Bilbao and Real Madrid lose in their derby against local rivals Atletico Madrid.

The big news before the game in the Camp Nou Stadium was that Eric Abidal was in the starting 11 for Barcelona for the first time in 14 months since his liver transplant.

Abidal played in central defense ahead of Gerard Pique and Marc Barta, who could be first choice for the Catalans in their Champions League semi-final next Tuesday.

Elsewhere Xavi Hernandez was also rested, while Leo Messi was also out despite having recovered from a hamstring injury.

As expected the first half was a monologue for Barca against a Levante side that lost 4-0 at home to Deportivo la Coruna a week ago. The visitors decided to sit deep in their own half and look to crowd a Barca attack consisting of David Villa, Christian Tello and Cesc Fabrigas out of space.

Barca's best chance of the half came as the result of as controversial penalty given against Papa Diop for a foul against Andres Iniesta. There is no doubt there was a contact between the Levante midfielder and the Barca player, but replays showed it was probably behind the goal-line and that a neutral bounce should have been given.

Levante keeper Kaylor Navas saw justice was done when he saved Villa's tame spot kick and the keeper did well just after the half hour to stop a magnificent free kick taken by Dani Alves, but overall, although Barca never looked in trouble with Alex Song controlling central midfield, coach Tito Vilanova will have been disappointed by the lack of clear chances.

The second half began with a shock for Barca as Levante striker Robert Aguefrasca had the ball in the back of the net, only for referee, Undiano Mallenco to rule it out for offside. TV replays showed the goal should have stood, although the truth is it was a difficult call for the linesman to make.

Perhaps in response Barca brought Xavi into the game allowing Iniesta to rest for the Bayern game and Pedro Rodriguez and Alexis Sanchez were also brought on as Barca strived but failed to find a way though a Levante back line that was comfortable defending on the edge of, or even inside, their own penalty area.

Chances were few and far between for Barca with the best falling to Villa, who fired over with nine minutes remaining, but Cesc took advantage of momentary loss of concentration from the visitors with six minutes left on the clock when he found space to fire a low shot into the bottom corner of Navas' goal.

Source: XINHUA