Barcelona vs. Levante: Complete Preview, Live Stream, Start Time and Schedule

Barcelona must defeat Levante in their La Liga match on Saturday because league leaders Real Madrid have widened their lead atop the table due to Barca's recent 1-0 loss to Getafe.

Barcelona must take all three points in every league game so they don't have to rely on beating Madrid twice this season in order to repeat as Spanish champions.

The Catalan club beat their rivals twice in the league last season, but that task will be more challenging this season since Madrid have gotten stronger.

Levante won't be an easy team to defeat. They are fourth in the league and have scored 23 goals this season, third most in La Liga.

Bacelona must bring their best effort to beat Levante, who may feel that Barca is beatable after watching the Getafe upset.

Let's look at everything you need to know about this battle of top Spanish teams.

Where: Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain

Watch: GolTV USA, Sky Sports HD4

When: Saturday, Dec. 3 at 2:00 p.m. EST

Player to watch for Barcelona: Alexis Sanchez

Alexis Sanchez has seen his playing time increase, as injuries have prevented Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola from being able to select his best 11 each week.

Sanchez scored twice in Barcelona's win over Ray Vallecano on Tuesday and has great speed and attacking talent.

Levante must make sure they are aware of where he is at all times, because the speedy Chilean winger will dribble past you and score if you are not careful.

Player to watch for Levante: Jaunlu

Levante veteran midfielder Jaunlu is a good attacking player and someone who controls the center of the pitch for the Spanish side.

Barcelona must close him down quickly because he will find teammates making runs toward goal with his great passing skills if he is given too much time on the ball.

He also leads Levante with six goals in league play this season, with 27 shots.

Key Matchup: Lionel Messi vs. Levante centerbacks

Lionel Messi is the greatest player in the world and Bacelona's most dangerous attacking threat. Messi has played a more central role this season, and he has handled it quite well. 

The little Argentine has 15 goals to lead the club in La Liga play, with an astounding 69 total shots. Only Real Madrid winger Cristiano Ronaldo has scored more goals in league play this season than Messi.

What They're Saying

Levante midfielder Arouna Kone told AS in Spain recently that Real Madrid are the best team in Spain, creating some bulletin board material for Barcelona.

Via Goal.com:

"

"At the moment, I feel Real Madrid are better than Barcelona,” he told AS. 

“Madrid are scoring almost four goals per game, their forwards are very good and are now the most dangerous in the league.”

"

Prediction: Barcelona wins 2-1

This will be a closer game than many think, but Barcelona will barely defeat Levante by a single goal on Saturday.

Levante beat Real Madrid, 1-0, earlier in the season and are fully capable of holding the defending champions below their scoring average.

The Getafe loss has awakened Barcelona and reminded them they are not unbeatable. They cannot just show up and expect to win because of their recent successes.

Messi and Sanchez will lead Barcelona to a narrow but deserved win, keeping their margin from Real Madrid at the top of the table to six points or less.