Atlético Levante UD has completed a preparation phase in which they faced opponents from different categories. Álvaro del Moral highlighted the work done and the evolution of the group, which has used these weeks to grow and get to know each other.

Atlético Levante UD has concluded the preseason with six victories and only one narrow defeat, against CD Teruel, a team competing in the Primera Federación —two tiers above the granota reserve team. Since training began on July 20, the team has used these weeks to advance in building the group. "The time we've had together has been used to grow as a team and get to know each other," said Álvaro del Moral. 

One of the objectives set by the coaching staff when designing the preparation was to provide the team with different competitive scenarios. This premise was reflected in a preseason with opponents from various categories. In addition to the demanding match against the team from Teruel, the team faced Silla CF (4-0) and CD Jávea (2-1), both from Lliga Comunitat, as well as CF Intercity (0-1) from Segunda Federación, and UD Almansa (0-1) from Tercera Federación in Castilla-La Mancha. The preseason schedule also allowed the granota reserve team to face two future league rivals, CD Acero (2-0) and Torrent CF (0-2).

Five clean sheets in seven matches

Defensive solidity has been one of the positive aspects of Atlético Levante UD during these friendlies. The 0-1 victory against UD Almansa marked the fifth clean sheet of the preparation phase, a figure that the coach attributed to the effort of the entire team. "We shouldn't associate clean sheets only with the work of the goalkeeper or the defensive line but with the work of the team as a whole," expressed Álvaro del Moral. 

Commitment and the intention to quickly recover the ball have been two important aspects during the preparation. This intensity has also started with the most advanced players: "They are the first defenders, the ones who set the intensity and intention, and the rest of the team adapts. The willingness of these first attackers is very good both physically and conditionally."

Adaptation of the new faces

The preparation has also served to build a group with the arrival of new players. Some, like Álvaro García and Alejandro Moya, were already familiar with the club, while for others it has been their first experience at Atlético Levante UD. In all cases, the Madrid coach has emphasized that "every player who has joined has met expectations", in addition to showing "a very good willingness to bring their best version on a daily basis."

In this integration process, the players who remain from last season have also played an important role, as they have helped the newcomers absorb "the identity traits, a bit of the values we have as a team, and also as a club."

A team that wants to keep growing

With the preseason now over, Atlético Levante UD faces the start of the competition this Sunday against Atlético Saguntino. Álvaro del Moral is confident in continuing to be "a brave team, not giving up on anything, being ambitious, and also understanding that it is a very tough category for young players." Additionally, the coach of the granota reserve team has stated that the team is mentally prepared and that the key to achieving the goal of promotion is "taking it step by step, growing through training, competing with the essence of who we are—a team that does not give up, that is brave when it has the ball, and committed when it does not," he concluded.