Barcelona Host Levante at Spotify Camp Nou Amidst Title Race Pressure
London, 22 February 2026 – FC Barcelona return to the Spotify Camp Nou this afternoon to face Levante UD in a pivotal La Liga Matchday 25 fixture. The Catalan giants, currently sitting second in the table with 58 points, are under significant pressure to secure a victory following consecutive away defeats against Atlético Madrid and Girona. Hansi Flick’s side enters the match looking to close the gap on a resurgent Real Madrid, while Levante arrive struggling in 19th place, fighting for top-flight survival.
Match Preview and Team News
Barcelona’s recent form has seen a dip, with the “Blaugrana” failing to secure points in their last two outings. Manager Hansi Flick reportedly held an hour-long tactical meeting with the squad this week, demanding increased intensity and defensive discipline. A major boost for the hosts is the confirmed return of midfield maestro Pedri, who is expected to feature for approximately 15 minutes in the second half as he builds match fitness.
Levante UD, currently on 18 points, travel to Barcelona in poor form, having lost their last three league matches. Their most recent outing was a narrow 1-0 home defeat to Villarreal on Wednesday. The “Granotes” have struggled for goals recently, failing to find the net in three of their last four league fixtures. However, they can take some heart from the reverse fixture in August, where they pushed Barcelona to the limit in a narrow 3-2 defeat.
Key Facts: Head-to-Head and Standings
The historical record heavily favours the home side, though Levante have occasionally proven to be a “bogey team” for the giants in cup competitions and specific league upsets.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total League Meetings | 33 |
| Barcelona Wins | 25 |
| Levante Wins | 3 |
| Draws | 5 |
| Current League Position (Barça) | 2nd (58 Points) |
| Current League Position (Levante) | 19th (18 Points) |
| Last Meeting Result | Levante 2-3 Barcelona (August 2025) |
Tactical Analysis
The primary talking point ahead of kick-off is Barcelona’s high defensive line. Recent opponents have successfully exploited this system, leading to the “Blaugrana” conceding cheap goals on the counter-attack. Levante’s tactical discipline will be tested as they are expected to sit deep and use the pace of their forwards to punish any sloppiness in the Barcelona transition. For the hosts, Raphinha and Lamine Yamal remain the primary creative outlets expected to break down a low block.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is kick-off?
The match is scheduled to kick off today, 22 February 2026, at 4:15 pm CET (3:15 pm GMT) at the Spotify Camp Nou.
Is Pedri playing today?
According to team reports, Pedri has returned to the squad. The technical staff plans to give him roughly 15 minutes of playing time in the second half to facilitate his reintegration into the starting eleven.
Where can I watch the match?
In the United Kingdom, the match is typically broadcast via Viaplay Sports or ITV4, while fans in Spain can follow the action on Movistar+ and DAZN LaLiga.