Barcelona returned to winning ways after two straight draws in La Liga, cruising to a 3-0 victory over Levante on Sunday afternoon.

Memphis Depay was involved from the off, winning a penalty after being tripped in the box, and the Dutchman dusted himself down to step up and dispatch the spot-kick to hand the Blaugrana an early lead.

Just the start that Barcelona needed! ??

Memphis Depay wins a penalty and then steps up to put it away ? pic.twitter.com/KCEBVJMnCp

— Premier Sports (@PremierSportsTV) September 26, 2021

On 13 minutes, it was 2-0. Sergino Dest stepped inside and rolled the ball into the path of an unmarked Luuk de Jong, and the Dutchman made no mistake to open his Barça account.

Gerard Pique had a wonderful chance to make it three soon after, but he missed the target on the volley, and the Blaugrana entered the dressing rooms with a two-goal advantage at the break.

Barcelona controlled proceedings throughout the entire 90 minutes, preventing Levante from having a shot at goal until the final 10 minutes. The biggest roar of the second half arrived on 81 minutes, when Ansu Fati made his long-awaited return to action from injury, wearing the famous number 10 jersey.

The 18-year-old marked his return with a brilliant goal, cutting onto his right foot and burying an effort into the near post, before charging into the stands to celebrate with his loved ones.

The hosts cruised to the 3-0 win, moving within five points of leaders Real Madrid at the top of La Liga.

Here are the Barça player ratings.

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Marc-Andre ter Stegen (GK) – 6/10 – A spectator for large portions of the game. Had no shots to save until the final 10 minutes, but made them well. As easy an afternoon as they come.

Oscar Mingueza (RB) – 7/10 – Stepped out of defence to win the ball high up the pitch, and always made himself available on the overlap to whip in a cross.

Gerard Pique (CB) – 7/10 – Should have made it three after 22 minutes, but somehow failed to hit the target a yard out from goal. The old man of the backline, and used his experience accordingly.

Eric Garcia (CB) – 7/10 – Rarely threatened by a limp Levante side, but kept the ball moving when it came his way. A solid performance, even if he had little to do in terms of defending.

Sergino Dest (LB) – 8/10 – Played an instrumental role in the second goal, penetrating the defence and sliding a perfect pass into De Jong. Showing his best form.

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Gavi (CM) – 8/10 – Loves biting into challenges. A touch over exuberant, going into the book for a late challenge. Glided around the pitch, nipping in to win the ball and set Barça moving. Tried to clip a clever shot over Aitor but didn’t get it quite right.

Sergio Busquets (CM) – 8/10 – The old man surrounded by spring chickens in the middle of the park. Used his experience to guide those shorter in the tooth around him. Took a grip of the game and never let go.

Nico Gonzalez (CM) – 8/10 – Had a bit of a tough start but settled into the game as Barça took control. Began to really enjoy himself with some intelligent passes. Energy allowed the team to press high up the pitch.

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Philippe Coutinho (RW) – 7/10 – Moved to the centre of the pitch early on and tried his trademark ‚cut in and let rip‘, but never truly tested the goalkeeper. A constant threat with his restlessness.

Luuk de Jong (ST) – 7/10 – On the scoresheet for the first time in blue and red. Clinical finish when clean through on goal – he doesn’t miss those.

Memphis Depay (LW) – 8/10 – Made an instant impact, winning the spot-kick and tucking it away with ease. A really, really impressive player when he’s in the mood. Held up the ball, breezed beyond opponents and selfless in front of goal.

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— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 26, 2021

Riqui Puig (CM) – 7/10

Ansu Fati (LW) – 8/10 – The stuff of dreams on his return from injury.

Ronald Araujo (RB) – 6/10

Yusuf Demir (CM) – N/A

Clement Lenglet (CB) – N/A