Emmanuel BoatengGetty

Emmanuel Boateng’s first career hat-trick as Levante end Barcelona unbeaten run

Levante youngster Emmanuel Boateng has recorded his first hat-trick for club and country after striking thrice in a 5-4 win over Mess-less Barcelona on Sunday.

The Camp Nou giants must have thought that another routine victory was imminent – but Levante had other ideas.

Boateng, the unfamiliar Ghanaian hero put the hosts two-goals up in the space of 30 minutes, while Philippe Coutinho pulled one back in the 38th minute.

Barca got punished for their defensive failings as Enis Bardhi powered in the third goal for Paco Lopez’ men in the 46th with Boateng completing his treble with a sublime finish past goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen three minutes later.

In the 56th minute, Bardhi got his second goal of the night and that seemed to wake Ernesto Valverde's men from their slumber as Cotinho completed his treble with Luis Suarez making it 5-4 from the penalty spot after Boateng fouled Sergio Busquets at the near post.

Despite Barcelona’s pouring attacking forays, the Frogs held their nerves to record a memorable victory.

Valverde's team last lost a Spanish topflight game on April 8, 2017 against Malaga at La Rosaleda.

LaLiga champions Barcelona will be back in action at home on May 20 against Real Sociedad in their last game of the season.

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