The champions have 46 points from 17 matches and pulled away from second-placed Real Madrid who visit local rivals Getafe on Monday.

Barca were without the injured Carles Puyol, suspended Gerard Pique and rested Lionel Messi and looked rusty after the league's two-week winter break.

The hosts struggled to open up Levante's massed defense until the 47th minute when Pedro kept his composure in a crowded area to score.

The second came 12 minutes later, Dani Alves breaking down the right and crossing for Spanish international Pedro to sweep in his eighth league goal of the campaign.

The crossbar denied Pedro his hat trick and Cristian Stuani pulled one back for Levante with a superb volley 10 minutes from time.

Spain midfielder Xavi made his 549th appearance for Barcelona, equaling the club record set by Migueli.

In other games, Deportivo Coruna were 2-1 winners at Athletic Bilbao and Malaga dragged themselves out of the bottom three with a 2-1 victory at Sporting Gijon.