Barcelona’s Pau Cubarsi startled by pitch invasion after Levante match

Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi was left shaken after a spectator ran on to the pitch and grabbed him shortly after the final whistle against Levante.

The incident was one of several notable moments away from the main action at the Ciutat de Valencia, including a chanting exchange between rival supporters, instructions from Barcelona manager Hansi Flick and a friendly reunion involving Fermin Lopez and Levante’s reserve goalkeeper Pablo Cunat.

According to Sport, the spectator jumped from the stands and ran towards Cubarsi while repeatedly waving his arms. He appeared serious as he approached the Barcelona centre-back and managed to grab him, briefly knocking him off balance and almost bringing him to the ground.

Three security staff members intervened and worked to restrain the supporter before removing him from the pitch. The task was not straightforward, as he continued moving towards Cubarsi for several moments and his animated gestures made his intentions unclear.

Security eventually escorted him away. The episode ended without further incident, but it came as a strong shock to Cubarsi because it happened immediately after the match.

During the game, Barcelona supporters who had travelled to Valencia and were gathered in one corner of the stadium exchanged chants with Levante fans positioned nearby behind one of the goals.

At one stage, the home support sang chants emphasising their Spanish identity. Barcelona fans responded with “Long live Barcelona and long live Catalonia” while several Estelada flags were raised.

On this occasion, the flags had made it inside the Ciutat de Valencia, unlike on other away trips when supporters had them confiscated at the stadium entrances.

Levante’s supporters also paid tribute to Barcelona’s players who had won the World Cup before continuing to back their own team. They did so without resorting to insults, helping to create an intense atmosphere while keeping the rivalry within acceptable limits.

The evening ended on a more cordial note. Fermin Lopez was the final player to leave the pitch after spending several minutes speaking with Cunat.

The pair have maintained a good relationship since playing together for Spain Under-21s. They used the opportunity after the match to catch up before embracing and going to their respective dressing rooms.

Flick was also involved in two exchanges with players near the technical area. His first conversation was with Rodri, one of the players responsible for controlling Barcelona’s tempo.

The German coach spoke to him energetically and corrected elements of the team’s play at a point when Barcelona had yet to find its usual fluency.

Later, Raphinha approached the technical area and held a brief conversation with Flick, who again used the moment to pass on further instructions.