An aggregate score of 9-2 saw Barcelona advance into the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey at the expense of Levante this evening.
The Catalan outfit entered the match as the overwhelming favourites to book their spot in the next round following a 4-1 win in Valencia last week.
Levante took an early lead on the night through Loukas Vyntra, but goals from Adriano, Carlos Puyol, Alexis Sanchez (2) and Cesc Fabregas secured a 5-1 win on the night for Barcelona.
Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action between the two La Liga rivals.
Match statistics
Barcelona
Shots: 23
On target: 8
Possession: 72%
Corners: 4
Fouls: 8
Levante
Shots: 9
On target: 5
Possession: 28%
Corners: 3
Fouls: 14
Was the result fair?
In truth, this tie was over following Barcelona's 4-1 win in the first leg last week. Both managers rested key players with league matters to focus on, but Levante were prepared to force the issue in the early stages. They were rewarded with a goal, but the Barcelona response was always expected. A 5-1 scoreline is perhaps slightly harsh, however, with Levante goalkeeper Javi Jimenez doing his side no favours between the sticks.
Barcelona's performance
Another five goals for Barcelona, in addition to valuable minutes for the likes of Puyol, Alex Song, Martin Montoya and Sergi Roberto made it another successful evening for the Catalan outfit. They were perhaps guilty of some complacency in the early stages after falling 1-0 behind, but they dominated matters from that moment on. That said, the second half was played with the intensity of a friendly.
Levante's performance
In many ways, this evening was a free hit for Levante. They were not expected to win and with the tie virtually over following the first leg, they decided to press Barcelona in the early stages. Such pressure rewarded them with a goal, but they simply lost belief when Barcelona equalised. It was not a surprise that a second string was sent to the field, but they made it so incredibly easy for the home side.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Sergi Roberto: In truth, it was not a match where anyone particularly stood out. Sanchez scored twice, but he hardly featured aside from his goals. Roberto was a class act in the middle of the park, however, with the Barcelona midfielder calm and composed in possession of the ball. It has been a real breakthrough season for the Spaniard, who is sure to be part of the Barcelona XI for years to come.
Biggest gaffe
Levante goalkeeper Jimenez had an absolute horror show in the early stages of the second period. First, he fumbled a Montoya effort, allowing Sanchez to tap home from close range. It got worse moments later when the Spaniard made a hash of a strike from Adriano, which allowed Sanchez to register his second in as many minutes. It was a night to forget for Jimenez.
Referee performance
Alberto Undiano will not have an easier match to referee all season. It was a lively first period with a number of strong and sometimes late challenges, but the Spaniard was on hand to calm proceedings whenever necessary. That was not the case in the second half as Barcelona played out the final 35 minutes or so like a training exercise. Undiano was hardly seen throughout the match, which is always a good sign for a referee.
What next?
Barcelona: The Catalan outfit return to La Liga action at home to Valencia on Saturday afternoon.
Levante: Levante also return to league football this weekend with a home clash against struggling Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.
