Thrilling moments the cameras did not capture: the Barcelona star's rescue and the war of chants

This was the only notable incident of the evening, and it came after the final whistle. During the match, one corner of the ground saw a pointed exchange of chants between the travelling Barcelona supporters and the Levante fans stationed near them behind one goal.

At one point, the Levante fans launched into chants affirming their Spanish identity. Barcelona's supporters hit back with "Long live Barcelona and long live Catalonia", raising a number of Estelada flags as they did so.

Those flags made it inside the Ciudad de Valencia stadium on this occasion, unlike previous away trips where they had been confiscated at the turnstiles.

Beyond that exchange, the Levante fans produced an image befitting the occasion. They first honoured the Barcelona players crowned World Cup winners, then backed their own side without resorting to insults.

Passionate and charged, the atmosphere never saw the rivalry overstep the mark.

The final scene proved far more amicable. Fermín López was the last player to leave the pitch, staying on for several minutes to chat with Pablo Cuñat, Levante's reserve goalkeeper.

Firm friends since their days together with Spain's under-21 side, the pair seized the end of the match to catch up on each other's news.

They talked for several minutes. An embrace ended their meeting before each headed for his team's dressing room.

Hansi Flick produced some notable scenes of his own during the match, the German twice seizing the chance to deliver direct instructions to players who strayed near the technical area.

His first exchange was with Rodri, one of the men charged with controlling the team's tempo. Flick spoke to him animatedly, correcting details in the flow of play at a time when Barcelona had yet to find their usual fluency.

Then came Raphinha's turn. The Brazilian also drifted close to the technical area and held a brief conversation with the coach, who again took the chance to issue some instructions.

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