LIONEL MESSI scored again but was helpless to prevent Barcelona conceding three goals in seven minutes Saturday as Levante stormed to a surprise 3-1 victory in La Liga.

The collapse was so palpable that manager Ernesto Valverde couldn’t avoid the fire. The 55-year-old was asked a handful of questions regarding his future with the club. As expected, he didn’t hesitate to defend his job security, stating that Saturday’s loss was like any other.

Very rare are the times that Barcelona blackouts for consecutive minutes in a game, which was certainly the case Saturday.

Messi converted from 12 meters out in the 38th minute, putting the better team ahead minutes before the first half culminated. But just shortly after both sides settled for the final 45 minutes, Levante pounced on a halfhearted Barcelona.

The first, a composed, right-foot finish from Jose Campaoi, opened the floodgates. Two minutes later, an old foe, ex-Real Madrid forward Borja Mayoral, put the home side ahead. Five minutes after the second fell, an opportunistic Nemanja Radoja’s left-footed volley took a deflection from Sergio Busquets and went into the back of the net.

The defending champions look to regain some confidence as they host Slavia Praha in Champions League play midweek, while Levante players hope to carry their momentum to the Basque Country as they take on Athletic Bilbao.

Real Madrid was held to a draw by Real Betis after several close calls and some controversy.

A spectacular goal from Eden Hazard was called back by VAR. When Los Blancos turned to the officials for a suspicious handball from Zouhair Feddal, the appeal felt short.

Sergio Ramos, who ruled Saturday’s draw as “bittersweet,” had a clear shot on target, only for it to be blocked by Betis’ Joel Robles. (SD-Agencies)