Fàbregas cleans up a Messi situation

A goal from Cesc Fábregas in the final minutes of the game was enough to clinch the three points at the Camp Nou after a lifeless performance by Tito Vilanova's men, who seemed to really miss a rested Leo Messi.

Villa missed a penalty in the first half and his team found it difficult to break down the well-organised Levante defence.

The 'Azulgranas' manager decided not to take any risks and Leo Messi wasn't even included in the match-day squad, with a view to the game in Munich on Tuesday, and the same went for Piqué. Other regular starters such as Xavi, Busquets, Pedro and Jordi Alba were on the bench.

Eric Abidal returned to a starting role for Barça after 14 months out due to serious illness. The last game he played from the start was on 26th February 2012 against Atlético at the Calderón, a match Barcelona went on to win 2-1.