Levante vs Barcelona: Flick’s Men Aim to Keep Momentum in La Liga
Barcelona’s 2025/26 La Liga journey continues this weekend with an away trip to Valencia, where they face newly promoted Levante at the Ciutat de Valencia Stadium. After a commanding 3-0 win over Mallorca in their opener, Hansi Flick’s men are looking to keep the early rhythm going.
Barcelona: Strong Start, Minor Headaches
The Blaugrana’s curtain-raiser was emphatic, though Mallorca’s two red cards gave them a smoother ride than expected. Still, Flick’s side showed balance, control, and attacking fluency, exactly the traits Barcelona fans hoped to see under their new coach.
Off the pitch, however, things remain complicated. The club is still wrestling with player registration issues, including newcomer Gerard Martin, but Flick has made it clear he will put out his strongest XI available.
Levante: A Baptism of Fire
Back in La Liga after promotion, Levante’s return hasn’t been smooth. Their 2-1 loss to Alaves on the opening day highlighted the gap between top-flight demands and second-tier comfort. Now, hosting Barcelona in only their second match feels like climbing a mountain barefoot. Their priority will be to stay organized and deny Barcelona’s attacking trio space.
Predicted Barcelona XI
Goalkeeper: Joan Garcia – A clean sheet on debut; looks calm and composed as Barça’s new No.1.
Defence: Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde – Kounde likely replaces Eric Garcia, while Araujo takes on the senior leader role alongside teenage talent Cubarsi. Balde remains a nailed-on starter down the left.
Midfield: Pedri, Gavi, Dani Olmo – De Jong is a fitness doubt, opening the door for Gavi to start. Dani Olmo could replace Fermin Lopez to inject creativity in advanced areas.
Attack: Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, Raphinha – With Lewandowski being carefully eased back, Ferran Torres continues at striker, flanked by two lively wingers who impressed in the opener.
Players to Watch
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona): The 17-year-old dazzler continues to look like a generational star in the making.
Ferran Torres (Barcelona): Trusted again to lead the line—can he reward Flick’s faith with goals?
Gavi (Barcelona): Hungry to prove himself after starting on the bench last week.
José Morales (Levante): The Levante veteran will need to step up as a leader against elite opposition.
What to Expect
Levante will likely sit deep and try to frustrate Barcelona, but Flick’s men look sharp, motivated, and technically too strong. The biggest question isn’t whether Barça can win—it’s whether they can keep their standards high while juggling squad fitness and off-field noise.
Prediction
Barcelona should have too much quality for Levante, even away from home. Expect control, patience, and eventually goals.
Levante 0–3 Barcelona** — Ferran Torres and Yamal on the scoresheet again.
