Levante UD lets victory slip away in the last moment.
Levante UD 1-1 Girona FC
Levante UD was very close to achieving their second consecutive victory in a match where they gave their all and doubled their efforts after playing for more than 30 minutes with one player less. Carlos Espí scored for the second consecutive week, but Girona FC managed to equalize in injury time.
The match began with Girona FC trying to maintain possession of the ball, although without posing any real threat to the opposing goal. The first clear chance came from the granota team after an assist from Oriol Rey to Paco Cortés. The ‘27’ entered the box from the left wing and his shot forced Gazzaniga to intervene to deflect the ball's trajectory. The youth player received an ovation from the crowd. The clock reached the first half-hour mark when the home team came close to scoring again. It was with a good combination between Matías Moreno and Iván Romero near the box. The Argentine struck with a cross-shot that went slightly wide.
Luís Castro's team created the clearest opportunities, trying to break the deadlock. Olasagasti also tried with a powerful shot from outside the box that the goalkeeper deflected. The first half ended without the Levante players finding the reward for their efforts.
After the restart, the granota team quickly found the reward they had been seeking for so long. Víctor García, from the right, delivered a perfect cross into the box for Carlos Espí to rise and head the ball into the back of the net. Eight minutes later, Levante UD was reduced to ten men after the referee showed a red card to Olasagasti. With many minutes still to play, the Levante players had to redouble their efforts to protect their lead. Girona FC tried to take advantage of their numerical superiority on the field, but the azulgranas defended their area tooth and nail.
Alejandro Francés tried his luck with a header that Ryan saved, and the granota team pushed forward again to try to extend their lead and face the final stretch of the match with more ease. Víctor García delivered a good cross from the right, and Matturro tried to surprise with a header that went wide.
With much at stake in the final minutes, an Axel Witsel header in front of the goal hit the crossbar. In injury time, Joel Roca scored against the Levante goal. Initially, the referee disallowed the goal for offside, but after reviewing the VAR, the goal was awarded, preventing Levante UD from securing three very important points.