Barcelona are back where they belong.

Hansi Flick’s team entered Sunday’s game with a perfect home record in La Liga this season (11 wins from 11) aiming to make it twelve as long as complacency was avoided.

After two poor results against Atletico Madrid and Girona, a win was much needed to restore confidence. Levante had lost all 16 of their league matches in Barcelona, making this an ideal opportunity to return to winning ways.

The visiting defense had already conceded 41 goals, the league's highest, while Barca had scored an astonishing 34 at home, including 21 unanswered goals after halftime in league play.

Complacency against Levante is nothing new, highlighted by a historic 5-4 defeat that prevented Barca from going unbeaten in a league season under Ernesto Valverde.

Levante scored twice in the last two head-to-head matches, giving Flick reason to stress caution before the match.

Here are three factors that influenced the outcome.

Joao Cancelo’s strong performance as a full-back:
Although Levante was a relatively easy opponent, Cancelo’s activity and willingness to support the attack marked his performance. His assist for Frenkie de Jong’s goal was simple but well executed. Whether he is Barcelona’s best left-footed full-back remains to be seen, but his display suggested a valuable new option.

Marc Bernal brings balance and calm:
The coaching staff carefully managed Bernal’s minutes post-injury, which is paying off now. The young midfielder shows maturity and composure beyond his years, quietly delivering a superb performance that offers Flick more midfield options.

Lack of killer instinct until Fermin came on:
Levante played a deep low block, and Barcelona prepared for this in training. However, before Fermin’s impactful third goal, Barca seemed somewhat short of decisive finishing, almost as if they expected to win without exerting fully. On another day, they might have scored six or seven easily.

Fermin’s contribution remains notable as he continues to fight for a valued place in midfield.

Barcelona returns to the top of La Liga.