Ghanaian forward Emmanuel Boateng scored a hat-trick as UD Levante defeated Barcelona 5-4 to end their 43 unbeaten run in the Spanish LaLiga.
The former Moreirense striker doubled the Valencia-based side’s lead on the 30th minute mark with a close range finish.
Barcelona reduced the deficit eight minutes later through Philippe Coutinho, who fired a mid-range shot into the top of the net.
Levante regained their two-goal cushion just one minute after the break courtesy Enis Bardhi’s powerful shot before Boateng made it 4-1 with a brilliant finish in the 49th minute.
Enis Bardhi extended the Frogs leads to 5-1 in the 56th minute after beating Ter Stegen from a close range.
However, two quick goals from Coutinho brought the Blaugranas back into the before Luis Suarez’s 71st minute penalty made it 5-4.
Barcelona pile pressure on the hosts in the dying embers of the game as they searched for the leveller but Paco Lopez’s side claimed the maximum points.
The Ghanaian forward becomes the first player in 13 years to score three goals in a La Liga match against FC Barcelona, since Diego Forlan for Villarreal on 22 May, 2005.
Boateng picked a booking before paving way for Giampoalo Pazzini in the 77th minute.
He has nettedf six league goals in the ongoing Laliga campaign.
