Match preview for Levante v Barcelona
LaLiga champions Barcelona journey to Valencia on Saturday night time to face newly-promoted Levante, who’re again within the prime flight after successful the Segunda Division title final season.
Levante’s return to the large stage didn’t begin as deliberate, as they fell 2-1 to Alaves on the opening weekend – a disappointing consequence given each side are anticipated to be concerned within the relegation scrap.
Historical past isn’t on their facet both: the Frogs have gained simply six of their 45 conferences with Barcelona, although they famously beat the Catalans 5-4 in a nine-goal thriller again in 2018.
As for Hansi Flick’s males, they eased past nine-man Mallorca 3-0 in their opening match. Early objectives from Raphinha and Ferran Torres set the tone earlier than Lamine Yamal added a 3rd late on.
Already sitting prime of the desk, Barca look each bit as dominant as they had been final season, after they scored 102 objectives en path to the title. With Marcus Rashford added to their firepower, few count on them to decelerate.
Staff information for Levante v Barcelona
Levante are lacking goalkeeper Alfonso Pastor by damage, whereas Jon Ander Olasagasti, Kervin Arriaga, Goduine Koyalipou and Alan Matturro stay health doubts.
Jeremy Toljan, who scored on debut in opposition to Alaves, ought to preserve his place at proper wing-back, with new signing Manu Sanchez on the alternative flank.
Roger Brugue, who netted 11 objectives final season, is about to guide the road.
Barcelona stay with out Marc-Andre ter Stegen on account of a again drawback. Robert Lewandowski has returned to coaching after a hamstring problem however might solely make the bench as a precaution.
Jules Kounde is anticipated to come back in at right-back, with the remainder of the XI seemingly unchanged from the Mallorca win. Ferran Torres ought to proceed by the center after scoring final outing.
Anticipated 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
Methods to watch Levante v Barcelona: TV channel, on-line stream
The match will likely be proven reside in Spain on Movistar LaLiga. For UK viewers, protection will likely be obtainable on LaLiga TV by way of Viaplay. It should kick-off at 8:30pm BST on Saturday.
The stats for Levante v Barcelona
- Levante have overwhelmed Barcelona solely six occasions in 45 conferences
- Their final victory got here in November 2019
- Barcelona scored 102 objectives in La Liga final season – the very best in Europe’s prime 5 leagues
- Levante are again in La Liga after successful the 2024-25 Segunda Division
- Barcelona misplaced six league video games final season regardless of successful the title
Prediction
Levante will make life as uncomfortable as they will on the Ciutat de Valancia, however Barcelona’s firepower and management in possession ought to show overwhelming.
Flick’s facet look set to make it two wins from two with one other commanding show.
Prediction: Levante 0-3 Barcelona
