Explained: Why Barcelona may have to wear last season's third kit for second time in a row after Levante clash

Barcelona are expected to wear their third kit from the 2024-25 season for their upcoming La Liga match against Levante, according to a report from Sport. The issue arises from La Liga's 'Kit Selector' process, which has determined that all three of Barcelona's new kits for the 2025-26 campaign clash with the home strip of their opponents. This follows Hansi Flick's side having to use the same lime-green strip in their opening day victory over Mallorca for the same reason.

The situation means the reigning La Liga champions could play their first two matches of the new season without wearing any of their new kits. La Liga's regulations are designed to prevent chromatic clashes and ensure maximum visibility for television audiences and officials. Despite having a traditional home kit, an away strip, and a yet-to-be-released orange third kit, none have been deemed suitable for the fixture at the Estadio Ciudad de Valencia.

The lime-green kit Barcelona are being forced to re-use is the same one they wore during their Champions League semi-final defeat against Inter last season, a strip that holds some painful memories for the club's supporters.

Flick's side travel to face Levante on Saturday evening, where they will likely take to the pitch in last season's colours. The club will be hoping the kit issue is resolved ahead of their third match of the season, an away trip to Rayo Vallecano. Barcelona were able to wear their home kit at Vallecas last season, suggesting they should finally be able to debut a new strip.