Levante are the current champions of Spain’s Segunda Division, having earned their promotion back to La Liga by winning the title last season. This year, they’re aiming to stay in the topflight for a second consecutive season — something they haven’t managed since 2022.
Julian Calero’s team knows this season will be tough. Their recent loss to Alaves was a setback, especially since Alaves are also likely to be fighting to avoid relegation.
When it comes to facing Barcelona, Levante have struggled historically, winning just six of their last 45 matches against the Catalan giants. Their most recent meeting in April 2022 was close, though, with Barcelona narrowly winning 3-2.
Levante’s last victory over Barcelona was back in November 2019. One memorable clash was a thrilling 5-4 home win for Levante in May 2018.
This summer, Levante have been busy in the transfer market, with their biggest signing being Jon Ander Olasagasti from Real Sociedad.
On the other hand, Barcelona had a smooth start to their 2025-26 La Liga season, comfortably beating Mallorca 3-0 away. They scored twice early through Raphinha and Ferran Torres, and with Mallorca reduced to nine men after two red cards in the first half, Barcelona controlled the game easily, adding a third goal late on through Lamine Yamal.
With three points already on the board, Barcelona sit at the top of the league. Given the strength of their squad, it will take a huge effort from teams like Real Madrid to challenge them this season.
Last season, Barcelona scored 102 league goals on their way to the title, and with new signing Marcus Rashford added to their firepower this summer, they could surpass that tally this year.
That said, Barcelona did lose six league games last season, so there’s still room for improvement. They’ll also be hungry to go further in the Champions League after falling short in the semi-finals last term.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Levante are the current Segunda Division champions, having earned promotion back to Spain’s top league after winning the title last season. This year, they’re aiming to stay in La Liga for a second straight season — something they haven’t managed since 2022.
Julian Calero’s team knows it won’t be easy. Their recent loss to Alaves was disappointing, especially since Alaves are also expected to be fighting to avoid relegation this season.
Levante, nicknamed "The Frogs," have only won six of their last 45 matches against Barcelona, which shows just how tough this upcoming game will be. Their last meeting in April 2022 was close, with Barcelona edging it 3-2.
The last time Levante beat Barcelona was in November 2019. One memorable match between them was back in May 2018, a thrilling 5-4 win for Levante at home.
This summer, Levante have been busy in the transfer market, with their biggest signing so far being Jon Ander Olasagasti from Real Sociedad.
On the other side, Barcelona, the reigning La Liga champions, had a smooth start to their 2025-26 season with a 3-0 win away at Mallorca. They scored twice within the first 23 minutes through Raphinha and Ferran Torres. Mallorca also had two players sent off in the first half, making the rest of the game comfortable for Barcelona, who added a third goal late on through Lamine Yamal.
Barcelona currently sit top of the La Liga table with three points. Given the strength of their squad, it will take a huge effort from Real Madrid or anyone else to challenge them this season.
Last season, Barcelona scored 102 league goals on their way to the title. With new signing Marcus Rashford joining this summer, they could score even more this time around.
That said, Barcelona did lose six league matches last season, so there’s room to improve. They’ll also be aiming to go further in the Champions League after being knocked out in the semi-finals last year.
Levante won’t have Alfonso Pastor available due to injury, and there are doubts over the fitness of Olasagasti, Kervin Arriaga, Goduine Koyalipou, and Alan Matturro for this match.
Jeremy Toljan made his debut in the last game against Alaves and is likely to start again. The 30-year-old even scored in the season opener. On the other side of the defense, fellow new signing Manu Sanchez is expected to feature.
Roger Brugue, who had a strong 2024-25 season with 11 goals, is also set to keep his place in the starting lineup.
For Barcelona, goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is still out with a back injury. However, striker Robert Lewandowski has been training this week and should be part of the squad. He missed the Mallorca game due to a hamstring problem, so coach Hansi Flick might be cautious and start him on the bench.
Jules Kounde is expected to come in at right-back, but otherwise, the Barcelona lineup should look similar to the one that started against Mallorca.
Fermin Lopez will be fighting to keep his spot ahead of Dani Olmo, and Ferran Torres, who scored against Mallorca, is likely to continue playing up front for the champions.
That said, Wojciech Szczesny, Gerard Martin, and Roony Bardghji have yet to be registered and won’t be available.
POSSIBLE LINE UPS
Levante possible starting lineup:
Campos; Elgezabal, Fuente, Cabello; Toljan, Lozano, Rey, Sanchez; Martinez; Romero, Brugue
Barcelona possible starting lineup:
Garcia; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; Pedri, De Jong; Yamal, Fermin, Raphinha; Torres
EXPERT PREDICTION
Levante 0-3 Barcelona
