Sunday La Liga Preview: Barcelona Aim to Crush Valencia Again as Levante Battle Betis
La Liga continues on Sunday with two interesting clashes. Barcelona host Valencia at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, looking to repeat their dominant win from earlier this year, while Levante take on Real Betis in a balanced matchup where both sides have points to prove.
Barcelona vs Valencia
Recent History
Barcelona’s last meeting with Valencia ended in a 5-0 demolition at Mestalla on February 6, 2025. Ferran Torres scored a first-half hat-trick, Fermín López added another, and Lamine Yamal sealed the win in the second half. Barcelona enjoyed 77% possession and 17 shots, compared to just 5 from Valencia.
Overall, Barcelona have a strong record against Valencia, winning 13 of their last 20 meetings. Their home form is equally impressive, avoiding defeat in 93% of their last 15 La Liga home games and averaging nearly 3 goals per match.
Form and Trends
Barcelona are in strong shape under Hansi Flick: 4 wins from their last 6 matches, scoring 2.33 goals per game. At home, they average 23 shots and 67% possession, highlighting their attacking dominance.
Valencia are struggling. They are winless in 5 of their last 6 matches and have managed just 0.83 goals per game. Away from home, their numbers are worse — winless in 8 of their last 10 and drawing half of their recent games. Their main issue is a lack of attacking threat, with just 2 shots on target across their last 3 matches.
Probable Lineups
- Barcelona (4-2-3-1): Joan García (G); Eric García, Araújo, Cubarsí, Balde (D); De Jong, Pedri (M); Raphinha, Fermín López, Lamine Yamal (M); Ferran Torres (A).
- Valencia (4-4-2): Agirrezabala (G); Foulquier, Tárrega, Copete, Gayà (D); Rioja, Guerra, Pepelu, Diego López (M); Raba, Hugo Duro (A).
Prediction
Given Barcelona’s 28-game unbeaten run in all competitions and Valencia’s poor away record, the hosts are heavy favorites. Expect Barcelona to control possession and secure another solid win. Predicted result: Barcelona 2-0 Valencia.
Levante vs Real Betis
Recent History & Home Edge
Levante are a strong home side, going undefeated in 13 of their last 15 matches at the Estadio Ciudad de Valencia. Against Betis, results are mixed — 3 wins and 2 losses in their last 5 home meetings.
Form and Trends
Levante have had an up-and-down run: 3 wins and 3 losses in their last 6 matches. They score around 1.33 goals per game but concede 1.5, showing both attacking intent and defensive gaps. At home, however, they are far more consistent.
Betis come into this one struggling for momentum. They’ve won just 1 of their last 6 matches, averaging 1 goal per game. Their away record is unpredictable: unbeaten in 9 of their last 11 league trips, but also winless in 7 of their last 8. Draws are common, with 5 in their last 10 away games.
Probable Lineups
- Levante (5-4-1): Ryan (G); Toljan, de la Fuente, Elgezabal, Cabello, Sánchez (D); V. García, Martínez, Rey, Brugué (M); Iván Romero (A).
- Betis (4-2-3-1): Valles (G); Bellerín, Bartra, Natan, Junior Firpo (D); Altimira, Fornals (M); Ruibal, Riquelme, P. García (M); Cucho Hernández (A).
Prediction
Levante’s strong home record makes them tough to beat, but Betis’s quality and experience could give them the edge despite injuries to key players like Isco and Marc Roca. Expect a tight contest with goals on both sides. Predicted result: Levante 1-2 Betis.
Key Takeaways:
- Barcelona are clear favorites to beat Valencia again, with Ferran Torres likely to be a key figure.
- Levante vs Betis is more balanced, but Betis’s tactical discipline could edge out Levante’s strong home record.
