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 high flight after profitable 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 aspect 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 targets from Raphinha and Ferran Torres set the tone earlier than Lamine Yamal added a 3rd late on.
Already sitting high of the desk, Barca look each bit as dominant as they have been final season, after they scored 102 targets en path to the title. With Marcus Rashford added to their firepower, few anticipate them to decelerate.
Group information for Levante v Barcelona
Levante are lacking goalkeeper Alfonso Pastor via harm, whereas Jon Ander Olasagasti, Kervin Arriaga, Goduine Koyalipou and Alan Matturro stay health doubts.
Jeremy Toljan, who scored on debut towards Alaves, ought to maintain his place at proper wing-back, with new signing Manu Sanchez on the alternative flank.
Roger Brugue, who netted 11 targets final season, is about to steer the road.
Barcelona stay with out Marc-Andre ter Stegen resulting from a again downside. Robert Lewandowski has returned to coaching after a hamstring challenge however might solely make the bench as a precaution.
Jules Kounde is predicted to come back in at right-back, with the remainder of the XI possible unchanged from the Mallorca win. Ferran Torres ought to proceed via the center after scoring final day out.
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
How one can watch Levante v Barcelona: TV channel, on-line stream
The match can be proven reside in Spain on Movistar LaLiga. For UK viewers, protection can be out there 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 crushed Barcelona solely six occasions in 45 conferences
- Their final victory got here in November 2019
- Barcelona scored 102 targets in La Liga final season – the best in Europe’s high 5 leagues
- Levante are again in La Liga after profitable the 2024-25 Segunda Division
- Barcelona misplaced six league video games final season regardless of profitable 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 aspect look set to make it two wins from two with one other commanding show.
Prediction: Levante 0-3 Barcelona
