Levante UD suffers its first defeat of the preseason

Levante UD: Primo, Pampín (Manu Sánchez, 76’), A. J. Morales, O. Clemente (R. Brugué, 76’), Víctor García (Toljan, 76’), C. Espí (I. Romero, 76’), S. Lozano (Nacho Pérez, 46’ / Koyalipou, 76’), Víctor Jr. (Joan Ruiz, 46’ / Oriol Rey, 76’), Paco Cortés (Pablo Martínez, 76’), Martin Krug (Elgezabal, 76’), Cortina (Cabello, 76’).

CD Castellón: Matthys, Suero, Alberto, Óscar Gil (Miguel, 82’), Willmann (Gabarri, 61’), Markanich, Jozhua (Mamadou, 61’), Gonzalo (Lottin, 61’), Flakus (Alcazar, 46’), Doue (Alcira, 82’), Serpeta (Guillem, 70’).

Referee: Andrés Fuentes Molina. Booked Elgezabal.

Goals:

0-1. Markanich, min. 34

0-2. Markanich, min. 36

Levante UD suffered their first defeat of the preseason in the penultimate match played against CD Castellón at the Ciudad Deportiva. Physical discomfort, typical of this phase of preparation for the start of the competition, and the upcoming match tomorrow against AJ Auxerre influenced the participation of some players during the game.

During the first half, Levante UD had possession of the ball and created the first chances. Three minutes into the match, Morales tried to surprise with a long-range shot from the center circle, which was caught by the goalkeeper. Shortly after, a good combination between Víctor Jr., Pampín, and Carlos Espí brought danger to the opposing area. The Levante players kept trying, and a header from Carlos Espí, following a cross from the left by Pampín, almost became the first goal of the evening, but the ball went over the crossbar.

The granota team did not stop trying to take the lead, but after the hydration break, it was CD Castellón who scored following a cross from the right by Suero that Markanich sent into the net. Two minutes later, the same player scored the second goal. In the final moments, the Levante players tried their luck with a shot from Lozano that ended up in the goalkeeper's hands.

After the break, Levante UD created the first chance again with a shot from Pampín that went just wide. The response from the Castellón team came with a shot from Suero that went off target. The Levante players attacked again through Espí, but the ball rolled across the goal and went out. Later, they tried with a free kick taken by Óscar Clemente that narrowly missed. The home team kept pushing for a goal, and Morales also came close to scoring.

For their part, CD Castellón tried to capitalize on their opportunities, and a dangerous shot from Alberto tested Primo, who responded perfectly and cleared the ball.

Granota coach Julián Calero refreshed his lineup in the 76th minute, making nine changes to his team. The score remained unchanged, and ultimately, the Levante team suffered their first defeat of the preseason.