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Barcelona’s La Liga unbeaten run ended at Levante

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Spanish champions, Barcelona suffered their first defeat in the league this season by falling 5-4 to Levante in a thrilling encounter on Sunday.

Ernesto Valverde’s men had gone 36 games in LaLiga without losing, and had moved within two games of having an unbeaten season, but slipped to a surprise loss against the Frogs.

Although Lionel Messi was rested, other senior players of the club, including Luis Suarez and Phillipe Coutinho were fielded.

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The hosts moved into a 5-1 lead, with Emmanuel Boateng scoring a hat-trick and Enis Bardhi netting twice.

Levante youngster Boateng was the hero of the game, as he recorded his first hat-trick for club and country, and became the first player to score a hat trick against Barcelona in La Liga since Diego Forlan in May 2005.

Barca’s Coutinho scored a hat-trick of his own and Luis Suarez netted a penalty to set up a tense finale, to bring the game to a close at 5-4.

It was Barca’s first League defeat in 44 games, and for Valverde, he is beaten in La Liga for the first time as Barcelona boss.

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