Barcelona were in action against Levante away from home in their first-leg fixture of their Copa del Rey game.

But the Catalans got far more than they bargained for after going behind as early as the fourth minute of the game.

The host wasted no time in showing they were out for a challenge and Erick Cabaco got the game’s opener.

And then Borha Mayoral doubled their lead with Barcelona rallying round to save their face with a late penalty goal from Philippe Coutinho to make it 2-1.

Speaking after the match, Barcelona coach, Ernesto Valverde, attribute the loss to the massive rotation he made in his lineup.

As expected, a number of youngsters played the game with defenders Chumi and Juan Miranda coming in from the Barca B team.

In addition, Jeison Murillo was also given his debut.

Speaking via SPORT, Valverde described his lineup as a ‘risk’ but a necessary one.

His words: “I picked the best team I thought we could pick.

“It’s served us to evaluate players in some tough moments, like in a Primera Division game. I know it’s a risk, but you have to take risks a lot of the time.

“I am happy with Murillo, he has experience and he knows how to approach these type of games.”

“As for the kids, it was a difficult test, but that’s how it is, no?

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