Barcelona made hard work of things as they eventually overcame a stubborn Levante back line 1-0 to clinch a much-needed three points at Camp Nou.
Lionel Messi was the difference maker, but what were the other good and bad performances?
Barcelona 1-0 Levante: Player Ratings, Match Stats, Player Stats
✔️ GOOD PERFORMANCE
Aitor Fernandez: 9.6
The Levante goalkeeper was in inspired form and did his utmost to keep the hosts out. As well as denying Messi on no less than six separate occasions, he also made excellent blocks in the first half from Antoine Griezmann and Martin Braithwaite.
Ultimately it took a special Messi finish in off the inside of his post to beat him and overall he made a huge 12 saves in the contest.
❌ BAD PERFORMANCE
Philippe Coutinho: 6.9
The Brazilian didn't have his worst evening in a Barcelona jersey but by the same token he isn't contributing anything positive to this team from an attacking sense.
Just one completed dribble and one shot on target before being replaced again, and what's more when Pedri came on Barcelona looked clearly better as a unit.
Much to ponder for Ronald Koeman and indeed for the player himself.
⭐ STAR MAN
Lionel Messi: 10
The Argentine was at the heart of everything positive from Barcelona, just as he was in midweek against Juventus.
Messi retained his extremely high rate of shooting once again, hitting 12 shots with six of them landing on target. And it was his brilliant winning goal - from open play - which was good enough to settle the clash. He collected the pass from Frenkie De Jong and strode away to lash across the goalkeeper and in off the far post.
At the moment everything possible is flowing through him and despite all the upheaval his importance remains tangible.
Barcelona 1-0 Levante: Player Ratings, Match Stats, Player Stats
Lionel Messi 
Barcelona 
Levante 
Real Madrid 
