In what was an unusual game for Barça, Flick’s team still managed to come away with three points. The season is only just beginning, but the match against Levante may offer some important clues about what Barça will need to work on in training sessions and upcoming fixtures. Let’s review some of the main takeaways from Barça’s second league game:
Rashford is still finding his place in the team – or is it definitive that he’ll take Raphinha’s position?
Last season, Raphinha established himself as the best left winger the club has had in years. Against Levante, Marcus Rashford, Barça’s brightest signing of the 2025/26 season, took his spot. Although he combined with Balde once, creating a chance that nearly ended in a Ferran goal (27’), he looked lost throughout the first half.
Levante’s compact defensive setup, often with nine men behind the ball, shut down not only Marcus but also Lamine. The Englishman didn’t leave the best impression in his first official start, though it’s still very early in the campaign.
Rashford will certainly have many chances to prove his quality, but the Levante game raised a key question only Hansi Flick can answer: What will Raphinha’s role be if Rashford keeps the left wing? Will they rotate positions during games, or will Raphinha be forced to adapt as a No.10?
For now, what’s clear is that Rashford didn’t look like a blockbuster signing against Levante. It was no surprise he didn’t return for the second half.
Is Iñigo’s replacement already defined, or will Araujo and Christensen compete for the spot?
During the first half, with Levante constantly threatening on the counter, Barça’s defense looked shaky. On Romero’s goal, both Araujo and Cubarsí were caught out of position, allowing the striker to score.
Although Barça dominated possession for most of the game, the few moments when the defense was actually tested, they looked slow and vulnerable. With two center-backs holding a high line, both full-backs pushed forward, Pedri and Gavi (Casado) orchestrated the midfield, and four attackers pressed high. Still, Araujo and Cubarsí struggled to recover in time to stop Levante’s direct counters.
Was this the reason Christensen came on for the second half? Was it a message from Flick to Araujo?
Lamine was the biggest absentee on the pitch
Barça’s rising star, Lamine Yamal , usually the player who brings a plus, was neutralized on the right wing. Every time he tried to cut inside and shoot, he was stopped by Levante’s compact defense. It wasn’t until the 90+1’ that he finally made an impact, delivering the cross that led to Elguezabal’s own goal.
The question now is: What strategy will Flick implement to help Lamine connect better in matches where opponents sit deep?
Barça’s rivals know they can’t match the Catalans in open play, so most will propose defensive blocks. Will Lamine find ways to break through when facing nine defenders behind the ball? Based on his past performances, the answer is likely yes but it wont always be easy.