Ghanaian forward Emmanuel Boateng bagged a hat-trick as UD Levante defeated Barcelona 5-4 to end their unbeaten streak in this season’s Spanish LaLiga.
Barcelona, who went into the game needing a win to keep their unbeaten record in the 2017/18 Laliga season intact, suffered an early blow as Ghanaian hitman Emmanuel Boateng netted in the 9th minute after firing a perfect shot past goalkeeping Ter Stegen.
The former Moreirense striker doubled the Valencia-based side’s lead on the 30th minute mark with a close range finish.
Barcelona reduced the deficit eight minutes later through Philippe Coutinho, who fired a mid-range shot into the top of the net.
Levante regained their two-goal cushion just one minute after the break courtesy Enis Bardhi’s powerful shot before Boateng made it 4-1 with a brilliant finish in the 49th minute.
Enis Bardhi extended the Frogs leads to 5-1 in the 56th minute after beating Ter Stegen from a close range.
However, two quick goals from Coutinho brought the Blaugranas back into the before Luis Suarez’s 71st minute penalty made it 5-4.
Barcelona pile pressure on the hosts in the dying embers of the game as they searched for the leveller but Paco Lopez’s side claimed the maximum points.
Boateng picked a booking before paving way for Giampoalo Pazzini in the 77th minute.
Boateng has scored six league goals in the ongoing La liga campaign.
Source: Soccernet
