Barcelona 1-0 Levante: 5 talking points as the Blaugrana squeeze out a narrow victory | La Liga 2020-21

#3 Aitor Fernandez brings A-game to Camp Nou

Aitor Fernandez was almost unbeatable in goal

For most of the game, it looked like Barcelona's efforts would be in vain, as no matter how hard they huffed and puffed, they simply could not bring down the Levante defence.

It was not for want of trying though, as the hosts fashioned chance after chance, only to be thwarted by Aitor Fernandez in the Levante goal. In total, Barcelona had 22 shots in the game, with 13 of those hitting the target.

The Levante goalkeeper made a series of fine stops, denying Messi, Jordi Alba, Antoine Griezmann, and Philippe Coutinho with exceptional saves before he was ultimately beaten.

In total, the 29-year-old made 12 saves in the game and considering his inspired performance, it was always going to take something special to beat him. That was what happened when Barcelona got their breakthrough from the boot of their captain.

Although his efforts were ultimately in vain, it takes nothing away from what was a fine performance by Aitor Fernandez.

#2 Even in victory, Koeman still has many issues to address at Barcelona

Ronald Koeman has issues to address

Barcelona have struggled throughout this season, and the most worrying problem for fans is the club's lack of cohesion on the field, with many players looking lost alongside one another.

The club currently look a shadow of their former selves and despite picking up a much-needed victory against Levante, there were still glaring problems in the team's general play.

FULL TIME! pic.twitter.com/7F47MCpnhj

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) December 13, 2020

Credit must go to the visitors for holding out the Blaugrana for 3/4 of the game but questions would be asked about why Barcelona constantly struggle to break down sides who they would have dispatched with ease in the past.

Indeed, it is telling that Barcelona had to end the game with three centre-backs, as they sought to protect a lead against Levante at home. Ronald Koeman has to start finding answers to the increasing questions quickly.

#1 Lionel Messi bails Barcelona out yet again

Messi scored the only goal

For most of the last few years, Barcelona have been in full Messidependencia mode as without their talismanic captain, they struggle to get going.

Having threatened to leave last summer, the Rosario native reneged, and his performance here showed exactly why fans of Barcelona are within their right to be worried about a dystopian future post-Messi.

For most of the game, it looked like another frustrating evening was in store for the six-time Ballon d'Or winner that would have mirrored his game against Juventus in midweek.

Against the Bianconeri, Lionel Messi managed seven shots on target without finding the back of the net, which set a tournament record for most shots-on-target without scoring since at least 2003-04.

15 - Lionel Messi 🇦🇷 was directly involved in 15 shots against Levante (12 shots and 3 key passes), the most by a player in a @LaLigaEN game this season. Rescuer. pic.twitter.com/peSz52XV15

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) December 13, 2020

It was more of the same for him against Levante, as he failed to score with his first 10 shots in the game but it happened to be 11th time lucky for the Argentine.

This continued his fine run against Levante, with that his 22nd goal against Los Granotas.

Despite the win and his goal, the frustration in Messi was clear for all to see. He stormed straight to the dressing room and did not show up to collect his King of the Match award or speak to the press after the game.

Once again, Barcelona have their magical skipper to thank for bailing them out of a tight spot but this cannot continue for too long if the club are to achieve anything of note this season.