Match preview for Levante v Barcelona
LaLiga champions Barcelona travel to Valencia on Saturday night to face newly-promoted Levante, who are back in the top flight after winning the Segunda Division title last season.
Levante’s return to the big stage didn’t start as planned, as they fell 2-1 to Alaves on the opening weekend – a disappointing result given both sides are expected to be involved in the relegation scrap.
History isn’t on their side either: the Frogs have won just six of their 45 meetings with Barcelona, though they famously beat the Catalans 5-4 in a nine-goal thriller back in 2018.
As for Hansi Flick’s men, they eased past nine-man Mallorca 3-0 in their opening match. Early goals from Raphinha and Ferran Torres set the tone before Lamine Yamal added a third late on.
Already sitting top of the table, Barca look every bit as dominant as they were last season, when they scored 102 goals en route to the title. With Marcus Rashford added to their firepower, few expect them to slow down.
Team news for Levante v Barcelona
Levante are missing goalkeeper Alfonso Pastor through injury, while Jon Ander Olasagasti, Kervin Arriaga, Goduine Koyalipou and Alan Matturro remain fitness doubts.
Jeremy Toljan, who scored on debut against Alaves, should keep his place at right wing-back, with new signing Manu Sanchez on the opposite flank.
Roger Brugue, who netted 11 goals last season, is set to lead the line.
Barcelona remain without Marc-Andre ter Stegen due to a back problem. Robert Lewandowski has returned to training after a hamstring issue but may only make the bench as a precaution.
Jules Kounde is expected to come in at right-back, with the rest of the XI likely unchanged from the Mallorca win. Ferran Torres should continue through the middle after scoring last time out.
Expected line-ups for Levante v Barcelona
Levante: Campos; Elgezabal, Fuente, Cabello; Toljan, Lozano, Rey, Sanchez; Martinez; Romero, Brugue
Barcelona: Garcia; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Fermin, Raphinha; Torres
How to watch Levante v Barcelona: TV channel, online stream
The match will be shown live in Spain on Movistar LaLiga. For UK viewers, coverage will be available on LaLiga TV via Viaplay. It will kick-off at 8:30pm BST on Saturday.
The stats for Levante v Barcelona
- Levante have beaten Barcelona only six times in 45 meetings
- Their last victory came in November 2019
- Barcelona scored 102 goals in La Liga last season – the highest in Europe’s top five leagues
- Levante are back in La Liga after winning the 2024-25 Segunda Division
- Barcelona lost six league games last season despite winning the title
Prediction
Levante will make life as uncomfortable as they can at the Ciutat de Valancia, but Barcelona’s firepower and control in possession should prove overwhelming.
Flick’s side look set to make it two wins from two with another commanding display.
Prediction: Levante 0-3 Barcelona
