Levante vs Barcelona Lineups – Prediction, Team News & Where to Watch

The Estadi Ciutat de València in Valencia will be the stage for a classic La Liga clash on Saturday, August 23, 2025, as newly promoted Levante UD hosts the defending champions FC Barcelona. Kickoff is set for 21:30 CEST (20:30 BST, 3:30 PM ET).

This match presents a stark contrast in ambitions: Barcelona aims to continue a perfect start to its title defense after a commanding 3-0 victory over Mallorca.

while Levante seeks its first points upon its return to the top flight following a heartbreaking 2-1 last-minute loss to Alavés.

The historical context heavily favors the Catalans, who have won 32 of the 45 historical meetings between the two sides (D7, L6).

However, the pressure of expectation and a fervent home crowd could make this a tricky encounter for Hansi Flick’s squad.

Team News and Predicted Lineups

Levante UD

Manager Julián Calero faces a significant challenge with several injury concerns disrupting his plans. The team’s defensive depth is particularly tested.

First-choice goalkeeper Alfonso Pastor is out with a broken finger. Key defensive figures Alan Matturro (thigh), Kervin Arriaga (leg), and Jon Ander Olasagasti (leg) are all major doubts.

Forward Goduine Koyalipou (ankle) is also questionable. Levante is expected to adopt a pragmatic, defensive 5-4-1 formation that can shift to a 5-3-2.

Predicted XI (5-4-1): Campos; Toljan, Sanchez, Elgezabal, Cabello, De la Fuente; Brugui, Rey, Martínez, García; Romero

FC Barcelona

Despite a comprehensive opening win, manager Hansi Flick was publicly critical of his team’s intensity, suggesting he will demand a much-improved performance.

Goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen remains a long-term absentee. Young midfielder Marc Bernal (knee) is also out.

Star striker Robert Lewandowski is a doubt as he regains fitness from a preseason knock, likely meaning Ferran Torres continues leading the line.

Flick will deploy his attacking 4-2-3-1 system, focusing on high possession, aggressive pressing, and rapid transitions to utilize the pace of their wingers.

Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): García; E. Garcia, Araujo, Cubarsí, Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, López, Raphinha; Torres

Current Form and Head-to-Head Record

Barcelona sits 1st in La Liga with a +3 goal difference. Levante is in the bottom half, having suffered a narrow defeat in their opener.

Recent Head-to-Head Results

The historical record between these two teams is overwhelmingly one-sided.

Barcelona has won four of the last five head-to-head meetings. The most recent clash at this venue was in April 2022, which Barcelona won 3-2.

Furthermore, Barcelona boasts an impressive eight-game winning streak in away La Liga matches, underscoring their strength on the road.

Levante vs Barcelona Prediction and Key Factors

All logic points towards a comfortable Barcelona victory. The gulf in individual quality, squad depth, and current form is significant.

Levante’s injury issues in defense, particularly, make them vulnerable to Barcelona’s relentless attack.

Levante, the dream is to summon a heroic defensive performance and perhaps snatch a historic point.

However, for Hansi Flick’s Barcelona, anything less than a convincing victory will be deemed a failure.

The Catalans possess overwhelming firepower, and despite their manager’s demands for greater intensity, they should have more than enough to overcome a promoted side hampered by injuries.

Predicted Final Score: Levante 0-3 Barcelona

Where to Watch Levante vs Barcelona