FC Barcelona off to winning start at Beach Soccer World Cup
Levante make life difficult for Barça, but the Catalans win 3-2 and will now play for a semi-final spot against Al-Ahly on Thursday
FC Barcelona suffered more than expected to beat Levante in their opening fixture at the Beach Soccer World Cup in Rio de Janeiro.
The game had got off to the perfect start with Bruno Xavier volleying home a corner to put Barça ahead, but Levante were able to equalise through Spain international Pablo Pérez.
The score stayed at 1-2 for some time before Nico managed to get Barça’s second with a powerful drive, but just when it looked like FCB had the game sewn up, Pablo Pérez was able to make it 2-2 and send the game into overtime.
The game had barely restarted when Llorenç put Barça ahead for the third time in the match and this time there was no reply and the points were in the bag. Next up Barça will be battling to secure a semi-final berth against Al-Ahli (4:15pm CET).