La Liga: Levante – FC Barcelona, a duel to bounce back or keep rolling

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La Liga: Levante – FC Barcelona, a duel to bounce back or keep rolling

For the second matchday of La Liga, Levante hosts FC Barcelona this Saturday at the Ciutat de València. Both teams are entering this clash with very different objectives and mindsets.

Levante UD: looking to recover after a defeat

The Granotas are searching for their first win of the season after a painful loss to Alavés, conceded in stoppage time. Levante coach Pablo Calero emphasized focus and defensive discipline:

We must stay alert and consistent, not give any gifts to Barça’s dangerous attack.

Calero also discussed Lamine Yamal, who is gradually taking over from Messi:

He isn’t Messi, but his profile and movement create problems. We have to prevent him from getting comfortable while using our own attacking weapons. It’s like a boat where you have to patch up the holes where water seeps in.

The coach will also have to deal with absences in midfield, a handicap that could limit the team’s attacking options and overall stability.

🧐 @LUDhistoria te acerca los datos del #LevanteUDBarça. pic.twitter.com/BaEO0ExHJe

— Levante UD (@LevanteUD) August 23, 2025

Levante probable XI: Pablo Cuñat – Toljan, Cabello, Dela, Elgezábal, Manu Sánchez – Oriol Rey, Pablo Martínez, Brugué, Victor García or Morales – Koyalipou or Iván Romero.

FC Barcelona: looking to build on their opening win

The Blaugrana started the season with a 3-0 victory at Mallorca. Despite the solid start, coach Hansi Flick expressed his desire to maintain intensity for the full 90 minutes:

After the sending off at Son Moix, we lost a bit of rhythm. Tomorrow, we have to stay consistent.

Barça is expecting a tough contest: "Levante are well organized defensively and have good transitions," he added. The coach is also hoping that Gerard Martín can be registered for this match. As for Robert Lewandowski, his participation remains uncertain:

We have considered all the options. If we can use him, he’ll play.

In midfield, Gavi and Casadó could operate in the same area, providing more solutions to control the game against the Granotas.

ℹ️ Alineaciones previstas: Levante UD vs #FCBarcelona.

Se espera que Jules Koundé y Dani Olmo sean titulares. Robert Lewandowski está de vuelta, pero probablemente empiece en el banquillo. [@mundodeportivo - @diarioas] pic.twitter.com/F6ZVQeSBz4

— F.C. Barcelona & Selección Española (@iMesQueUnClub) August 23, 2025

Barcelona probable XI: Joan García – Koundé, Araujo, Cubarsí, Balde – De Jong, Pedri, Dani Olmo – Lamine Yamal, Ferran or Lewandowski, Raphinha.

𝐒𝐐𝐔𝐀𝐃 𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓 ✅#LevanteBarçapic.twitter.com/NwPFoC3Cm1

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 23, 2025

Levante are aiming to halt league leaders Barcelona and kickstart their own campaign. Barça, meanwhile, wants to assert their dominance right from the second round. The match promises to be intense, tactical, and packed with chances.