Levante defender David Navarro doesn’t feel his side were outplayed by Barcelona in the League meeting on Sunday.
The sides are preparing to play each other twice more in a matter of days with the Copa del Rey quarter-finals about to commence.
The weekend’s game finished 1-1 after Levante took the lead and despite intense Barca pressure, the League leaders had to settle for a draw.
Navarro felt the match was competitive, however, and argued Levante coped well.
“They pushed us at the end,” he is quoted as saying by AS.
“But over the full game we weren’t overwhelmed.
“It’s true that Barca eventually put pressure on us but we defended deep and got our approach right.”
Navarro added that it was very much a team effort to restrict Barca to just one goal, a Gerard Pique header from a corner.
“Collectively the team defended very well, from the goalkeeper to the forwards.
“We knew we had to put in great effort in order to get a positive result.”
Navarro was however disappointed that Barca were able to level, particularly in the manner they did.
“We shouldn’t have let them score.
“They can score from open play but we shouldn’t have let them score from a set-piece.”
The draw leaves Levante eight points clear of the relegation zone and while Navarro is pleased with the position, he says the side will not rest on their laurels.
“It was a very important point against what I think is the best team out there.
“We must focus on our goal and go for it as soon as possible.
“We’re calm in our position but we can’t relax. It’s a comfortable gap but we have to keep looking ahead.”
The first-leg of the Copa tie takes place at Ciutat de Valencia and while Navarro is fully aware of Barca’s strengths, he feels Les Granotes can spring a surprise at home.
“We won’t change our approach for this game. We’re strong at home.
“Barcelona are Barcelona and it’ll be different at their home and more complicated, but we don’t need to think about that yet.”
