Levante – Barcelona: Barcelona’s Offensive Firepower Papers Over Defensive Frailties (2-3)

Levante's defensive compactness and transitional capability made Barcelona's jaw drop. Neither the Catalans' firepower enabled them to come close, nor did the offside trap eliminate the threat of conceding. Nonetheless, Hansi Flick's men revived in the second part of the game, turning the tables ahead.

Tactical analysis and match report by Achraf Lamdarhri.

Barcelona inaugurated their title defense campaign, edging past Real Mallorca in fashion. However, Hansi Flick expressed his resentment in the post-game interview. The German manager didn't accept his players lowered intensity against a two-man down Mallorca team. The captain, Ronald Araújo, agreed with his manager, confirming their lack of aggressiveness.

Hansi Flick made two changes to the formation that started the Mallorca clash. The defense line remained intact with Eric Garcia, Ronald Araújo, Pau Cubari, and Alejandro Balde. Frenkie De Jong made way for Marc Casado to join Pedri in the pivot. Raphinha sat behind Ferran Torres, whereas Marcus Rashford and Lamine Yamal hugged the touchlines.

Levante lined up in a 5-4-1 shape. Unai Elgezabal, Adrián de la Fuente, and Jorge Cabello formed the core of the defense. Manu Sánchez and Jeremy Toljan acted as fullbacks. Oriol Rey and Pablo Martínez featured in the pivot. José Luis Morales and Roger Brugué played as wingers, with Ivan Romero leading the attack.

Levante blew Barcelona away

With Rashford starting in the main eleven, Raphinha operated on the right inside channel, whereas the Englishman swapped positions with Balde on . . .