Morning all! Sports Mole's live La Liga coverage continues from Valencia as Levante welcome Barcelona. It is bottom against top and I am actually slightly worried about Levante here. That is no disrespect to the home side, but rather praise for Barcelona, who just cannot stop winning at the moment. Their form throughout the campaign has been frightening and they are hitting full flow at the right time!

To suggest that Levante have a poor record against Barcelona would be a bit of an understatement. The Valencia-based side have only won one of the last 21 league meetings between the two teams and that came back in October 1964. They have suffered 16 defeats during that run and Barcelona have scored at least once in all of their La Liga games against Levante.

The more recent statistics are also quite scary for Levante. Barcelona have scored 23 times in their last five games with their opponents here – including a 4-1 win in the reverse league match earlier this season. They also recorded a 5-0 victory in this very stadium last season and a 4-1 success during the 2013-14 campaign. The numbers point to a convincing away victory in this match!

Right, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news. Barcelona were in Copa del Rey action during the week and there have been changes...

TEAMS:

LEV: Marino; Tono, Feddal, Navarro, Lopez; Simao, Verza, Morales, Lerma; Rossi, Deyverson

BARCA: Bravo; Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Alba; Roberto, Rakitic, Iniesta; Neymar, Suarez, Messi

The big news in the Levante team is that there is a first start for Giuseppe Rossi, who made his debut as a substitute against Las Palmas last time out. The Italian international is joined in the final third by Deyverson, but the likes of Juanfran and Ruben Garcia are still out injured. Lucas Orban joined on loan from Valencia in January, but the Argentine has not been included in the XI.

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As for Barcelona, Claudio Bravo, Dani Alves and Javier Mascherano were all rested in the Copa del Rey during the week, but the trio return for this match. There is also a change in midfield as Sergi Roberto comes in for Sergio Busquets, who has dropped to the bench. There have been no alterations in the final third, however, as the front three of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez continue in attack.

So there we have it. The two teams are in and we are now little under 40 minutes from kickoff on this brisk morning in Valencia. I shall talk about Barcelona in a little while, but let's start with the home team, who are currently rooted to the bottom of the table. They will enter this match off the back of a 3-1 defeat at Sevilla last time out, but there have been signs of life in recent weeks.

Indeed, Levante have won each of their last two home league games – beating Rayo Vallecano and Las Palmas to give themselves a real chance of survival. They might be bottom of the division on 17 points, but just five points separates them from 17th-place Espanyol and there are a clutch of clubs above the relegation zone that are not far away from being dragged into the battle.

In truth, whether Levante remain in the league this season is not going to depend on their results against the likes of Barcelona, but a positive performance in this match would raise confidence for the weeks ahead. They do have a tricky run of games over the next month, however, facing the likes of Villarreal and Real Madrid, in addition to a trip to the potentially-excellent Eibar.

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Levante's league record this season reads played 22, won four, drawn five and lost 13. They have only scored 21 times in the league and have conceded 44. Neither of those are the worst records in the division, but they have lost more times than any other team in the top flight this season.

The Frogs are actually currently in their sixth successive La Liga campaign and they have not really come close to dropping out of the division since returning in 2010. They finished sixth in the 2011-12 campaign and have also boasted 11th and 10th over the last few seasons. It would be a surprise if they finished bottom of the pile come May and they managed to make a couple of smart signings in the January transfer window, including forward Rossi, who as mentioned, starts in this match.

As for Barcelona, they will enter this match off the back of a 7-0 win over Valencia in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final on Wednesday night. Suarez scored four and Messi hit a hat-trick during that incredible performance, which has put them on the cusp of another final. In the league, meanwhile, they were 2-1 winners over second-place Atletico Madrid last weekend.

Atletico's 3-1 win over Eibar on Saturday has seen them join Barcelona on 51 points, but as it stands, the Catalan outfit have two games in hand due to their involvement and indeed triumph in the Club World Cup in December. The Catalan outfit have won 12 of their last 13 games in all competitions and have not been beaten in any match since the start of October – 2-1 at Sevilla.

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What's more, Barcelona have only lost two of their last 19 away games in the league – winning 14 times in the process. It looks to be an impossible task for Levante here, but Espanyol did manage to hold Enrique's side to a 0-0 draw in their league match at the start of last month. Atletico and Real Madrid will both be hoping that Barcelona drop points in this match, but it is unlikely if we are honest.

There have been a number of impressive performers for Barcelona this season - Gerard Pique and Sergio Busquets have both been wonderful – but the headlines continue to arrive for Messi, Suarez and Neymar, and rightly so as well. That sensational trio have scored 47 league goals between them this term – only five teams in Europe's top five leagues have more goals this season!

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Suarez has 19 in La Liga, Neymar 16 and Messi 12. Neymar missed from the penalty spot against Valencia during the week, but Suarez continued his stunning run of form, while Messi did what Messi always does. Barcelona have a strong base to build from, but the reason for their incredible success over the last 12 months or so has been down to those three in the final third.

In truth, it is difficult to see where Barcelona's next defeat is coming from. They will travel to Valencia for the second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final next week, before facing Celta Vigo, Sporting Gijon and Las Palmas in the league. With the greatest of respect to those three clubs, it would be a major shock if they did not win all three fixtures comfortably. As expected, they are the team to beat in Spain and also have Arsenal to come in the Champions League knockout stage this month.

PREDICTION! Comfortable away win. Levante have been boosted by a couple of new signings and I actually expect them to stay up this season, but Barcelona are in such wonderful form. I do not think that it will be a cricket score, but I am backing the visitors to record a 3-0 win.

A reminder of the two teams for this match...

LEV: Marino; Tono, Feddal, Navarro, Lopez; Simao, Verza, Morales, Lerma; Rossi, Deyverson

BARCA: Bravo; Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Alba; Roberto, Rakitic, Iniesta; Neymar, Suarez, Messi

KICKOFF! Here we go then - both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. Can Levante upset the odds? We shall see! It is the visitors that get the first 45 minutes underway here...

... CHANCES! Barcelona have two chances in quick succession. The first arrives when Messi finds Suarez with a flick, but Marino is out to punch clear. The stopper can also punch to Iniesta, whose effort is over the crossbar. Not exactly the best start from the hosts!

GOAL DISALLOWED! Messi has the ball in the back of the net for Barcelona, but the offside flag is raised. Replays showed that the Argentine was level with the final defender though!

Levante just cannot get hold of the ball at the moment as Barcelona continue to pass and probe in the final third of the field. Alves and Alba are playing as wingers for the visitors early on here.

Good grief this has been a strong start from the visitors, who are utterly dominating possession in the final third. Levante are turning themselves inside out in a bid to hold off the pressure.

Levante started with a back four, but it is more of a back eight, or nine at the moment!

Rossi has the chance to carry the ball forward for the home side, but Roberto is on hand to make the challenge and Barcelona are back on the front foot. It is just incredible to watch at the moment as the visitors continue to pass and probe in the final third. Only a matter of time here.

Levante have had a couple of chances to break away here, with Morales's pace causing problems. Much better from the hosts, who also win a free kick when Rossi proves too quick for Rakitic. Tono then sets up Deyverson after beating Alves, but his effort is just wide of Bravo's near post.

When Barcelona have the ball, Levante are setting up a seven-man defence. It is not great to watch, but they are doing what they need to do. Suarez and Neymar combine in the final third and it almost works, but the return into the former is too strong and Marino is out to claim.

SAVE! Levante back off Neymar inside the penalty box and the Brazilian does not need a second invitation to have a strike, but Marino flies across his goal to make a really smart stop!

Rossi hits a super pass into Morales, who shows an excellent first touch before having a go, but his effort is across the goal and there are no takers. End-to-end football at the moment here.

Not an awful lot to report in terms of chances in the last few minutes, but it is much, much better from Levante, who have seemingly overcome what was a very difficult start to the match. Barcelona had the ball in the back of the net through Messi, but it was wrongly called offside.

Barcelona take the lead in the 21st minute and it is very cruel on Navarro, who inadvertently directs an Alba cross past his own goalkeeper from close range! We have a breakthrough here.

BOOKING! Feudal (Levante) is booked for a pull on Suarez.

CHANCE! Super chance for Barcelona to make it 2-0 as Neymar sets up Suarez with an excellent low cross, but the striker somehow misses from close range - not like him!

Morales has been Levante's best player this afternoon, with his pace and power causing Alves all sorts of problems down the left. Another low cross comes into the Barcelona box, but Pique is on hand to clear the danger. It is very open at the moment, which is what Barcelona will want.

BOOKING! Pique (Barcelona) is booked for handball.

Levante have a free kick in a very good position here...

... CLOSE! Verza's super set piece just drops over the crossbar!

CHANCE! Levante continue to drive forward and Deyverson produces a spectacular volley at the far post, but the striker was off-balance and it did not trouble Bravo.

CHANCE! Jefferson Lerma breaks through on goal for the home side, but the midfielder loses his concentration and fires wide of the post! Much better from Levante here!

Barcelona have not had it all their own way in this first period, with the home side threatening on more than a couple of occasions. You sense that they will be made to regret missed opportunities, however, as Barcelona drive down the other end. It has been a super game here.

Levante continue to cause problems as Rossi shows super feet before attempting to find Deyverson, but the visitors manage to clear the danger. The response from the hosts has been very impressive and they have had some excellent chances to draw level in this match.

POST! Painful for Levante! Morales breaks through on the Barcelona goal before beating Bravo, but the ball hits the post and bounces away! It is so unlucky for the hosts!

Barcelona have almost lost their way since scoring in the 21st minute and they have not really created a clear chance for some time now. Levante really deserve to be on level terms here.

Possession football from the away side in the last few minutes as they pass and probe outside the Levante box and Neymar wins a free kick in a dangerous area when Simao concedes a foul...

... Neymar strikes the set piece, but it was always high of the crossbar.

Well, Levante might be behind here, but they can be very pleased with their response since falling 1-0 behind. Their supporters will be encouraged ahead of the second 45 minutes here.

So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with the away side leading 1-0 courtesy of an own goal from Fernando Navarro, which arrived in the 21st minute. Barcelona dominated the early moments, but Levante ended the first half on the front foot, with Devyerson and Morales, who hit the post, both coming close to levelling the scores in front of a vocal home support.

STATISTICS! Barcelona have dominated the possession with 71%, while they have had six attempts - two of which were on target. Levante have not actually tested Bravo in the Barcelona net thus far, but they have had seven attempts and will feel that they deserve to be on terms here.

BENCH WATCH! Levante boss Rubi has a number of attacking options on his bench this afternoon, with the likes of Cuero, Ghilas and Camarasa all capable of making a difference in the second period. Barcelona, meanwhile, have options in the shape of Busquets, Munir, Turan and Vidal.

It has not been all plain sailing for Barcelona boss Luis Enrique here...

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RESTART! Here we go then - both sets of players re-join us on the pitch for the second period. Can Levante find a route past Bravo here? It is the hosts that resume the action in Valencia...

... no changes from either side at the break, which is not too much of a surprise. However, I suspect that both managers will already have alterations in mind as the second period advances.

SAVE! Bravo is forced to get down and beat away a strike from Rossi, who had shown super feet outside the box. Levante are not going to sit down and just take defeat here!

Barcelona are really struggling to get going at the moment as Levante continue to move the ball in the final third of the field. The only thing missing for the home team is an equaliser here!

Half-chance for the visitors as Iniesta strikes one from outside the box, but his effort was always moving away from the post. Barcelona are playing in second or indeed third gear at the moment.

Levante are more than likely going to get beat here - Sorry Levante fans - but the supporters and indeed management team will be greatly encouraged by their performance. If they can put in this type of display against the teams around them then they will pick up a lot of points from now on.

GOAL DISALLOWED! Messi again has the ball in the back of the net, but again the offside flag is raised. The correct decision this time, unlike in the opening two minutes!

Rossi is having a super game for Levante here and a goal for the Italian would make this stadium erupt. The home side are very much in this game as we approach the final 30 minutes of action.

BOOKING! Navarro (Levante) is booked for a foul on Messi.

SAVE! Rakitic makes contact on an Iniesta corner at the near post, but his header is kept out by Marino, who manages to palm over the crossbar. Top save there.

Barcelona have just upped the tempo in the last few minutes and in truth, a second goal would end Levante's challenge in this match. Marino has had a strong game for the hosts this afternoon and will need to be at his best in the remaining minutes to keep his side in with a chance here.

BOOKING! Alves (Barcelona) is booked for a foul on Deyverson.

Another half-chance for the home side as Deyverson flicks a header towards the top corner, but Bravo is on hand to make the save. Still 1-0 Barcelona with 65 minutes on the clock here.

BOOKING! Lerma (Levante) is booked for a late challenge on Neymar.

Messi stands over the resulting free kick, but his effort is wide of the post.

BARCELONA SUB! Busquets replaces Rakitic for the away team.

More panic for Barcelona as a low cross from Morales causes all sorts of problems, but the away side manage to scramble clear at the vital moment. A double Levante change is about to occur...

LEVANTE SUBS! Ghilas and Camarasa replace Navarro and Deyverson.

Barcelona are managing the game at the moment, but they have been far from their best. It will not matter though if they manage to collect yet another three points in this match.

Not an awful lot to report in terms of chances in the last few minutes, but Levante are still threatening to grab an equaliser. Messi leads a three-on-three counter for the visitors, but Neymar cannot shake off two defenders after being fed the ball. Not like the Brazilian!

BARCELONA SUB! Alves is replaced by Vidal for the away team.

It just has not happened for Barcelona in this match and they continue to struggle in the final third, which is so unlike them. The visitors still lead though with 15 minutes to play in Valencia.

LEVANTE SUB! Verza is replaced by Cuero for the home team.

Little over 10 minutes of normal time remaining here and Levante will be delighted with their overall performance in this match. It might not bring any points, but they can take so much moving forward. As for Barcelona, it has been a very untidy performance up until this point.

Cuero shows pace and power to drive away from Alba before crossing into the Barcelona box, but there are no takers and the visitors can clear. Still just the one goal in Valencia this afternoon.

BOOKING! Lopez (Levante) is booked for a pull on Neymar.

Atletico and Real Madrid will be watching this match hoping that Levante can grab a late equaliser, but Barcelona are not exactly under constant siege from the home side here.

Mascherano comes to the rescue for Barcelona following another period of pressure from the home side, who have not run out of legs, which is so impressive against the league leaders.

Pass, pass, pass from Barcelona as they look to run down the clock here.

BOOKING! Busquets (Barcelona) is booked for a foul on Tono.

Two minutes of added time to be played here.

Morales again shows excellent pace to burst away down the left, but the midfielder is crowded out and Barcelona manage to clear. Perhaps one final chance to put some pressure on...

... GOAL! Levante 0-2 Barcelona (Suarez)

Killer blow! Barcelona secure all the points on the counter as Messi races into the Levante half before finding Suarez, who has the simple task of placing his effort past the goalkeeper!

So there we have it. Levante put on a strong display in Valencia, but the basement side have been beaten 2-0 by the league leaders, who are now three points clear of second-place Atletico Madrid at the summit. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action once again. Until next time!