Video: Barcelona defender Gerard Martin left bleeding after painful incident against Levante

Barcelona’s comfortable start against Levante was disrupted by a heavy collision involving Gerard Martin, with the defender left bleeding after being struck in the face during the first half.

Hansi Flick’s side had raced into a two-goal lead and appeared in control, but Levante refused to fold. 

The hosts raised the intensity and began making life considerably more uncomfortable for Barcelona, who had faced little sustained pressure in their opening games of the season.

That increased physicality also led to several Barcelona players requiring treatment, with the incident involving Gerard Martin the most concerning.

Gerard Martin left bleeding after elbow to face

Martin was competing for the ball with Levante striker Victor Garcia as the hosts attempted to launch a counter-attack. 

As Garcia tried to break forward, his arm swung out and caught the Barcelona defender in the face with his elbow.

¡QUÉ DOLOR! Gerard Martín recibió este codazo durante el triunfo del Barcelona por 4-2 sobre Levante en la fecha 5 de #LaLiga y terminó con sangre en la boca. pic.twitter.com/YvyNjTjZFz

— SportsCenter (@SC_ESPN) September 13, 2026

The contact appeared unintentional, but the impact was significant. Martin immediately went to ground and was left bleeding, forcing Barcelona’s medical staff onto the pitch.

The referee opted not to stop play for a foul, allowing the attack to continue. 

The lack of a foul meant Flick’s team had to temporarily continue with 10 players while the defender received treatment.

Flick takes no chances with Barcelona defender

The referee had adopted a notably lenient approach throughout the match, allowing plenty of contact and making relatively few interruptions.

Martin eventually returned to the field after the bleeding was brought under control, but his situation became more complicated after he picked up a yellow card for a subsequent incident.

💥 Codazo a Gerard Martín durante el Levante-Barça pic.twitter.com/HqmWX0SOab

— Mundo Deportivo (@mundodeportivo) September 13, 2026

With Barcelona already facing a physically demanding contest, Flick chose not to take any unnecessary risks, and Martin was withdrawn at half-time, bringing an end to a difficult first half for the defender.

Levante’s intensity changes the game

Notably, Barcelona had produced an excellent opening half and quickly established a two-goal advantage, but Levante’s response forced Flick’s side into a different kind of game.

The hosts never managed to reduce the deficit during that spell, yet their aggression disrupted Barcelona’s rhythm and created situations that required medical intervention.

As far as Flick is concerned, the decision to remove Martin was ultimately a practical one. 

With the defender already carrying a yellow card after taking a heavy blow and the match becoming increasingly physical, protecting him was more important than keeping him on the pitch.