As the 2025/26 La Liga season enters its decisive phase, FC Barcelona welcomes Levante UD to the Spotify Camp Nou this Sunday, February 22, 2026. This Gameweek 25 fixture is a classic “David vs. Goliath” encounter, but both teams arrive with significant pressure to perform—albeit for very different reasons
Barcelona currently sits 2nd in the table with 58 points, trailing leaders Real Madrid. However, Hansi Flick’s men are navigating a turbulent patch after back-to-back losses—a humbling 4-0 defeat to Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey and a 2-1 slip against Girona in the league. For the Blaugrana, anything less than three points today would be a disaster for their title ambitions
Levante, conversely, is fighting for survival. Currently 19th with only 18 points, the Valencian side has lost its last three matches. While history favors the hosts, Levante’s desperation makes them a “trap” opponent for a Barcelona side with recent defensive frailties
Team News and Injury updates
FC Barcelona
The big news for Hansi Flick is the return of Pedri and Marcus Rashford to the matchday squad. Both have resumed full training, though they are expected to start on the bench to manage their recovery
- Out: Andreas Christensen (ACL), Gavi (recovering from knee surgery—expected return in March).
- Doubtful: Eric García (minor hamstring discomfort, but likely to be fit).
- Key Return: Alejandro Balde is expected to reclaim his starting spot at left-back to provide much-needed width.
Levante UD
Manager Luís Castro is dealing with a depleted squad as he attempts to orchestrate a miracle at the Camp Nou. Suspended: Kervin Arriaga (disciplinary).
- Out: Skipper Pablo Martínez (leg injury) and Roger Brugué (ligament injury).
- The Danger Man: All eyes are on Etta Eyong, the young Cameroonian striker who leads Levante with 5 goals and is reportedly a summer transfer target for Barcelona itself.
Predicted Lineups
FC Barcelona ( 4 – 3 – 3 )
- Goalkeeper: Joan Garcia
- Defenders: Jules Koundé, Pau Cubarsí, Eric García, Alejandro Balde
- Midfielders: Fermín López, Frenkie de Jong, Dani Olmo
- Forwards: Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha
Levante UD ( 5 – 3 – 2 )
- Goalkeeper: Mathew Ryan
- Defenders: Jeremy Toljan, Adrián De La Fuente, Matias Moreno, Alan Matturro, Manuel Sánchez
- Midfielders: Carlos Álvarez, Ugo Raghouber, Jon Olasagasti
- Forwards: Etta Eyong, Iván Romero
Head-to-Head (H2H) Stats
- Home Dominance: Barcelona has won all 16 of their home La Liga games against Levante in history.
- Last Meeting: A narrow 3-2 victory for Barcelona in August 2025.
- Goal Threat: Barcelona has scored in every one of their 33 historic La Liga encounters against Levante.
Prediction
While Barcelona’s confidence has been shaken recently, the return to the Spotify Camp Nou—where they have a 100% win record this season—should provide the necessary boost. Levante’s leaky defense (conceding nearly 2 goals per game) will likely struggle to contain the movement of Lamine Yamal and the clinical finishing of Lewandowski.
Barcelona 4 – 1 Levante UD.
