Barcelona Storm into Levante Clash: Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed

Barcelona continue their travels for their second La Liga match of the 2025–26 season, as they journey across the Balearic Sea to take on Levante this Saturday evening.

The defending champions began their campaign with a comfortable victory on the opening weekend, though Hansi Flick expressed his displeasure with his squad after feeling they became complacent during the second period.

With Mallorca reduced to nine men in the first half and Barcelona leading 2–0, the three points were essentially secured, yet they managed just one additional goal for the rest of the match. Flick allegedly informed his players that such performances won't be sufficient to retain their La Liga title.

Nevertheless, their comfortable victory places them at the summit of the standings, while Levante's return to the top division didn't go according to plan after winning Segunda División last season and making their first appearance in the top flight since 2022.

Saturday's hosts suffered a 2–1 defeat to fellow relegation contenders Alavés in their opening fixture. They're now seeking their first victory against Barça since 2019 and their seventh triumph overall.

Here's Sports Illustrated's preview of Barcelona's forthcoming La Liga encounter.

What Time Does Levante vs. Barcelona Kick-Off?

Levante vs. Barcelona Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)

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How to Watch Levante vs. Barcelona on TV, Live Stream

Levante Team News

Levante's marquee summer signing, Jon Ander Olasagasti, remains questionable for Barcelona's arrival due to a thigh problem, while the home side may also be missing Alfonso Pastor, Kervin Arriaga, Alan Matturro and Goduine Koyalipou.

While none of Levante's injured players are expected to be sidelined for extended periods, Barcelona's visit appears to come too early for their potential comebacks.

Jeremy Toljan, who spent most of his career in Italy, unexpectedly found the net on his Levante debut last weekend.

Levante Predicted Lineup vs. Barcelona

Levante Predicted Lineup vs. Barcelona (3-5-2): Cunat; Elgezabal, De La Fuente, Cabello; Toljan, Lozano, Rey, Sánchez, Martínez; Brugué, Romero

Barcelona Team News

Barcelona face minimal injury concerns ahead of the fixture, with no new problems arising during preparation for Saturday's encounter. Marc-André ter Stegen remains sidelined for an extended period.

When asked about Robert Lewandowski's availability for Valencia, Flick responded "we'll see", indicating that Ferran Torres may lead the attack once more. Lewandowski could still make an appearance from the substitutes' bench, though.

The Barcelona manager is also optimistic that versatile defender Gerard Martín will be available for selection, even though the youth product is unlikely to earn a starting position. Frenkie de Jong is ready for midfield duty, while Dani Olmo and Jules Koundé might make their inaugural La Liga starts this season.

Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Levante

Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Levante (4-2-3-1): García; Koundé, Araújo, Cubarsí, Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Torres

Levante vs. Barcelona Score Prediction

Flick's post-match fury might actually serve as the wake-up call this Barcelona squad... requires? It seems strange to suggest given their exceptional standards in 2025, but the German was clearly dissatisfied with the drop in intensity during the second half of last week's victory.

With that extra motivation, the visitors, who are a class above the rest of the league, including both Madrid sides, should cruise to another comfortable win. Levante possess a poor historical record against the Catalans, and despite their summer activity, it would represent a massive shock if they secure a positive result here.

Prediction: Levante 0–3 Barcelona