La Liga stats preview: Matchweek 1 – Barcelona vs Levante

Andres Iniesta (R) of FC Barcelona duels for the ball with Pedro Lopez of Levante UD during the La Liga match at Camp Nou on April 20, 2013

Barcelona‘s La Liga title defence gets under way when they host Levante at the Camp Nou on August 18. While Barcelona have kept the majority of the team intact from last year, they have added Neymar to their squad.

More than the result of the match, all eyes will be on the Messi-Neymar duo. This match will mark the beginning of the Tata Martino era after he was appointed Barcelona manager, replacing Tito Vilanova earlier in the summer.

On the other hand, Levante has undergone significant changes this summer. A rough season filled with controversy forced the change, as they finished 11th in La Liga last year – 54 points behind Barcelona.

Though Levante surprised everyone the in 2011-12 season when they briefly led the La Liga table, the main aim of Joaquin Caparros, the Levante coach, will not be to compete with the big two, but to push for a European finish.

Let’s look at what stats have to offer for Barcelona vs Levante:

-Levante have never defeated Barcelona in the league. In the 12 meeting between the two sides, Levante have lost nine while three matches were drawn.

- Barcelona have won their last 15 home matches in La Liga.

- Barcelona have scored at least 2 goals in 16 of their last 17 home matches in La Liga.

- Barcelona have won their last 7 home matches against Levante in all competitions.

- Barcelona have been leading at both half-time and full-time in 5 of their last 7 home matches in La Liga.