Barcelona vs Levante: It could end in an upset | Copa del Rey 2018-19

La Blaugrana face Levante at the Nou Camp in the second leg of the Copa del Rey RO16 this Thursday, in a clash that could potentially end their four year long domination in this competition.

Barcelona earlier suffered a 2-1 defeat to Levante at the Ciutat de Valencia Stadium in the first leg of the RO16 on 10 January.

Had it not been for a penalty in the 85th minute in that match, the Catalan club would have found itself in a really dire situation.

Owing to that one penalty that was duly taken by Philippe Coutinho, Barca still have a realistic chance of progressing further in a competition they have been defending for the past 3 years since winning the treble in 2015.

Lionel Messi is likely to feature in this one

A point worth being noted here is that Luis Suarez & Lionel Messi didn't feature in that first leg. It looks like both of them will have to step up yet again in order to pull this team up. One would wonder just how much these two players can do, given the fact that they are both approaching the twilight of their careers.

La Blaugrana have direly missed Samuel Umtiti in recent matches. Furthermore, with Thomas Vermaelen also out, Barca don't have too much to hope for at the back. Gerard Pique can only do so much all on his own.

Levante on the other hand, will defend with their lives on Thursday. They know that this is a do or die match for them. Barca have an away goal in hand, so all they need to do is score one, concede none, and they are through.

Ernesto Valverde - faces a tricky selection process

Ernesto Valverde is going to have a headache of a team selection for this match. It has been made clear on many an occasion by the club hierarchy that the real aim this season is to win the Champions League. Even so, losing the Copa del Rey is not going to be welcomed at Barcelona.

The match kicks off on Thursday at 9:30 PM local time.

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