Levante and Barça go head-to-head this Saturday night at the Ciutat de València (kick-off 21:30pm CEST), in what promises to be a lively clash in the second weekend of La Liga action. It marks the first meeting between the two sides in four seasons, with Levante making their return to the top flight after earning promotion last season.

A repeat would be nice 

Barça’s clear objective? Another three points. Not only would that mean back-to-back wins to kick off the league campaign, but it would also mirror the outcome of their last visit to this ground, a dramatic 3-2 win back in April 2022. Much has changed since then, including the man in the dugout: Hansi Flick now leads a reshaped Barça side determined to come away from Valencia with another win in the bag.

New challenge

For several players in the current squad, Saturday’s showdown will be their first-ever meeting with the granotas. That includes young defenders like Cubarsí and midfield dynamo Fermín, as well as the attacking firepower of Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, Lewandowski, and Marcus Rashford. All eyes will be on whether this revamped attacking unit can open their account against a Levante side known for defensive grit.

Fine record in Valencia 

Recent trips to the city of Valencia have been kind to the Catalans. In fact, Barça are unbeaten in their last seven matches in the city, whether against Valencia CF or this weekend's opponent Levante. Their most recent win there came at Mestalla on the opening day of the 2024/25 season. The last time the granotas got the better of the blaugrana? That wasn't so long ago...  back in 2019/20.

Morales and Brugué the dangermen 

Flick’s back line will need to keep a close eye on Levante’s frontmen. Morales and Brugué were the club’s joint top scorers last season, both netting 11 goals to help fire the team to promotion. Morales, in particular, is no stranger to scoring against Barça. He’s already done so three times in his career. They'll be the key threats in what could be a high-octane evening.

Goal-filled history

Recent clashes between these two at Levante’s ground have delivered plenty of fireworks. The last three meetings at the Ciutat de València have all featured at least four goals:

2021/22: Levante 2–3 Barça
2020/21: Levante 3–3 Barça
2019/20: Levante 3–1 Barça

If history is anything to go by, fans can expect another goal-fest this weekend. And Barça will be hoping it's their name on the right side of the scoreline.

 

Força Barça