1. Main Players Comparison
Levante UD:
- Departures: Iborra (37, DM), Ignasi Miquel (32, CB), Algobia (26, DM), Forés (24, CF).
- Retained: Still competitive midfield but defensive stability weakened.
- Key returnees: Limited – reliance on new signings for balance.
- Impact: Defensive transition, loss of experienced leaders.
Barcelona:
- Core intact with Lewandowski (27G, 2A), Raphinha (18G, 9A), Yamal (13G, 9A), and Pedri (5G, 4A).
- Defensive stability with Cubarsí (29 apps) and Koundé (29 apps, 5 G/A).
- Departure: Iñigo Martínez (34, CB) weakens depth in defense.
- Impact: Elite frontline, experienced midfield (Pedri, Gavi), but CB rotation slightly thin.
2. New Players Comparison
Levante UD:
- Arriaga (27, DM), Olasagasti (24, CM), Toljan (RB, 30), Matturro (CB, 20), Manu Sánchez (LB, 24).
- Koyalipou (25, CF) strengthens attack after Forés’ exit.
- Campos & Martín (GK cover).
- Heavy rebuild across defense + midfield, but chemistry untested.
- Total impact: Structural reinforcement more than proven numbers.
Barcelona:
- Rashford (2G, 2A) – explosive option but limited adaptation so far.
- Dani Olmo (10G, 3A) – creative spark, highly impactful.
- Roony Bardghji (RW, 19) – future project, low immediate impact.
- Ter Stegen, Araujo, Torres, Frenkie adding depth when rotated in.
- Total impact: ~12 goals, 7 assists already from new arrivals.
3. Substitutes Comparison
Levante UD:
- Bench built on new young arrivals – Matturro, Moreno, García.
- Limited proven output; mostly defensive depth.
- Offensive subs untested at LaLiga elite level.
- Bench total: Low direct scoring contribution expected.
Barcelona:
- Fermín López (6G, 5A), Ferran Torres (10G, 6A), Gavi (1G, 1A).
- Depth options: Correa (exited), Fort, Pablo Torre (left).
- Bench total: ~16 goals, 12 assists – very strong supporting cast.
4. Consolidated Quality Scorecard
Category | Levante UD | Barcelona |
Main Players | ⭐⭐ (lost Iborra, Forés, Miquel) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Lewandowski, Raphinha, Yamal, Pedri) |
New Players | ⭐⭐⭐ (Toljan, Arriaga, Koyalipou) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Olmo, Rashford, Bardghji) |
Substitutes | ⭐ (mostly untested youth) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Fermín, Torres, Gavi depth) |
Coach Factor | Transition – post-leadership rebuild | Stable (Xavi’s system maturing) |
Defensive Impact | In rebuild – key defensive leaders gone | Strong but Martínez exit reduces rotation |
Overall Depth | Thin/Moderate | Very High |
Key Weakness | Loss of leaders & limited firepower | Reliance on Lewandowski for finishing |
5. Predicted Outcome
Tactical Outlook:
- Levante: Rebuilt defense and midfield, but chemistry + lack of firepower remain concerns. Koyalipou may provide some spark, but midfield creativity weakened after Iborra + Algobia exits.
- Barcelona: Fluid attack with Yamal’s dribbling, Raphinha’s productivity, and Lewandowski’s finishing. Olmo adds versatility. Defense strong but slightly thinner without Martínez.
Expected Scoreline:
- Barcelona 3 – 0 Levante UD
