Half-Time Report: Much-changed Barcelona held by Levante

Barcelona have failed to find the net in the opening half of their La Liga tie with Levante.

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Luis Enrique's side almost broke the deadlock early on but Lionel Messi was surprisingly unable to control a through-ball from the returning Dani Alves.

It was Messi who gave Levante keeper Ruben his first real test, toe-poking a breaking ball straight at the stopper.

Neymar then threatened to make the breakthrough, but indecision between shooting and crossing saw his effort go wide of the mark.

Levante managed to create a chance in the 28th minute but on-loan Porto forward Nabil Ghilas failed to find the target from close range.

Ruben made further stops from strikes by Munir El Haddadi and Messi, Sandro firing the rebound wide from the Argentinian's saved effort.

Barcelona continued to control the ball towards the end of the half, as Messi fired a second free kick over the bar, but couldn't find a way past a sturdy Levante outfit.