Segunda Division champions Levante will face one of the sternest tests of their return to La Liga when they travel to the iconic Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on Saturday night to take on reigning champions Barcelona in the second gameweek of the 2025–26 campaign. The fixture pits two clubs at opposite ends of the Spanish football spectrum—Levante, fresh off their promotion and still finding their footing in the top flight, and Barcelona, a juggernaut already sitting atop the La Liga table after a commanding opening-day victory. While the odds are stacked heavily in favor of the Catalan giants, football has a way of defying expectations, and Levante will arrive in Barcelona with the hope of scripting an upset that would reverberate across the league.
Barcelona’s season began in emphatic fashion, brushing aside a depleted Mallorca side with a 3–0 win away from home. The match was effectively decided within the first 30 minutes, as Raphinha and Ferran Torres both found the back of the net, capitalizing on Mallorca’s early indiscipline that saw two of their players sent off before halftime. With a numerical advantage and momentum firmly in their favor, Hansi Flick’s side cruised through the second half, adding a third goal via teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. The victory was not only a statement of intent but also a reminder of the depth and firepower that Barcelona possess, even when missing key players. Their dominance in possession, fluidity in attack, and defensive solidity all pointed to a team that is not only defending its title but aiming to do so in style.
Levante, by contrast, endured a frustrating start to their campaign, falling 2–1 to Alaves in a match that many had earmarked as a potential early-season confidence booster. Julian Calero’s side, crowned champions of the Segunda Division last term, were expected to carry some of that momentum into their top-flight return. However, defensive lapses and a lack of cutting edge in the final third proved costly. The defeat was particularly disappointing given that Alaves are likely to be one of the teams Levante will be competing with in the battle to avoid relegation. Dropping points against direct rivals so early in the season is never ideal, and Calero will be acutely aware that his team must raise their level significantly if they are to stand a chance against Barcelona.
Historically, Levante’s record against Barcelona paints a daunting picture. In 45 previous meetings across all competitions, the Frogs have managed just six victories, with the Catalan giants dominating the fixture. Yet, there have been moments of drama and defiance. Their last win over Barcelona came in November 2019, a 3–1 triumph that stunned the footballing world. Even more memorable was the nine-goal thriller in May 2018, when Levante edged out a 5–4 victory in one of the most chaotic and entertaining matches in recent La Liga history. Their most recent encounter, back in April 2022, was a closely contested affair, with Barcelona narrowly escaping with a 3–2 win. These flashes of competitiveness offer Levante a sliver of hope, a reminder that even giants can stumble under the right circumstances.
Levante’s summer transfer activity has been robust, reflecting their intent to not just survive but compete in La Liga. Their marquee signing, Jon Ander Olasagasti from Real Sociedad, is expected to add creativity and composure to the midfield, though he remains a fitness doubt for this weekend’s clash. Other notable additions include Kervin Arriaga, Goduine Koyalipou, and Alan Matturro, all of whom bring varying degrees of experience and potential. Jeremy Toljan, who made his debut against Alaves and scored in that match, is likely to retain his place in the starting XI, offering attacking thrust from the right flank. On the opposite side, Manu Sanchez is set to continue, providing balance and width. Roger Brugue, who netted 11 times during Levante’s promotion campaign, remains a key figure in attack and will be relied upon to test Barcelona’s backline.
Barcelona, meanwhile, continue to evolve under Hansi Flick’s leadership. The German tactician, known for his high-intensity pressing and fluid attacking systems, has inherited a squad brimming with talent and ambition. Last season, the Blaugrana scored an astonishing 102 goals en route to the title, and with the addition of Marcus Rashford over the summer, they appear poised to surpass that tally. Rashford’s arrival adds pace, directness, and a proven goal threat to an already formidable frontline. While he is yet to make his debut, his integration into the squad is expected to be seamless, given his versatility and experience at the highest level.
Despite their dominance, Barcelona are not without areas for improvement. They suffered six defeats in the league last season, and Flick will be keen to tighten the defensive structure and eliminate complacency. Their Champions League campaign ended in the semi-finals, a respectable finish but one that left fans yearning for more. With domestic supremacy already within reach, European glory remains a key objective, and every La Liga fixture serves as a building block toward that goal. The depth of their squad allows for rotation without compromising quality, a luxury few teams enjoy.
In terms of team news, Barcelona will be without Marc-André ter Stegen, who continues to recover from a back injury. His absence is a blow, given his leadership and shot-stopping prowess, but the club has capable deputies to fill the void. Robert Lewandowski, sidelined against Mallorca due to a hamstring issue, has returned to training and could feature in the squad. Flick may opt to ease him back into action, possibly deploying him from the bench to avoid aggravating the injury. Ferran Torres, who impressed in the opener, is expected to continue through the middle, while Raphinha and Yamal will flank him in a dynamic front three.
Jules Kounde is likely to be reinstated at right-back, adding defensive solidity and ball progression from deep. The midfield trio could remain unchanged, with Fermin Lopez hoping to retain his spot ahead of Dani Olmo. Lopez’s energy and ability to link play were evident against Mallorca, and Flick may reward him with another start. However, registration issues continue to plague the club, with Wojciech Szczesny, Gerard Martin, and Roony Bardghji still awaiting clearance. Their absence limits Flick’s options slightly, but the core of his squad remains intact and more than capable of handling the challenge posed by Levante.
Levante’s injury list is a concern heading into the match. Alfonso Pastor is ruled out, while Olasagasti, Arriaga, Koyalipou, and Matturro are all doubtful. These absences could force Calero to shuffle his pack, relying on squad depth that may not yet be fully tested at this level. The tactical approach is likely to be cautious, with an emphasis on compactness and counter-attacking. Toljan and Sanchez will be key outlets on the flanks, while Brugue’s movement and finishing ability offer a threat in transition. The midfield will need to be disciplined, shielding the defense and disrupting Barcelona’s rhythm.
As the match approaches, the narrative is clear: a David vs. Goliath encounter with all the ingredients for drama. Barcelona, brimming with confidence and quality, will look to assert their dominance early and maintain control throughout. Levante, aware of the gulf in class, must rely on organization, resilience, and moments of inspiration. The Estadi Olímpic will be buzzing, with fans eager to see their champions in action and hopeful for another display of attacking brilliance. For Levante, the occasion is an opportunity to test themselves against the best, to learn, and perhaps, to surprise.
In the grander scheme of the season, this fixture may not define Barcelona’s title defense, but it offers a chance to build rhythm and momentum. For Levante, it is a benchmark, a measure of how far they’ve come and how far they still need to go. The result may seem predictable, but football’s beauty lies in its unpredictability. Whether it’s a moment of magic from Yamal, a defensive masterclass from Kounde, or a heroic performance from Toljan, Saturday night promises to deliver a spectacle worthy of La Liga’s rich tapestry.
