Barcelona has the opportunity to reclaim the La Liga lead following Real Madrid’s upset loss to Osasuna on Saturday. The defeat in Pamplona leaves Hansi Flick’s side with a chance to move ahead of their rivals when they face Levante on Sunday.
Real Madrid’s 2-1 loss to Osasuna, secured by a 90th-minute winner from Raúl García, has opened the door for Barcelona in the title race. The result means Barcelona can surpass Madrid at the top of the La Liga standings with a victory over Levante.
The Catalan club is also seeking a return to form after a demanding stretch that began with a heavy defeat to Atlético Madrid in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals. A subsequent loss to Girona further compounded the team’s struggles. A win against Levante is seen as crucial to regaining momentum.
Barcelona will be bolstered by the potential return of key players Pedri and Marcus Rashford, who are expected to be available for selection and contribute to the attack. Both players are working towards full fitness ahead of the season’s final stages.
Levante, meanwhile, faces a critical match as they battle to escape the relegation zone. Currently second from bottom, with only Real Oviedo below them, they desperately need points. A victory at the Spotify Camp Nou would be a significant boost, though considered a highly improbable outcome.
The match between Barcelona and Levante is scheduled for Sunday, February 22nd, at 9:15 hours CDMX / 10:15 hours ET / 12:15 hours Argentina, Chile and Uruguay. The game will be broadcast on Sky Sports in Mexico and ESPN Deportes in the United States.
Barcelona’s potential starting lineup includes Joan García, Jules Koundé, Cancelo, Gerard Martín, Alejandro Balde, Frenkie de Jong, Marc Bernal, Dani Olmo, Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, and Robert Lewandowski. Levante is expected to field Ryan, Maturro, Dela, Olasagasti, Romero, Víctor García, O. Rey, Toljan, Manú Sánchez, C. Álvarez, and K. Tundé.
The first encounter between the two sides this season saw Lamine Yamal and Manu Sánchez feature prominently, according to EFE.
