Levante UD returns empty-handed from Vila-real

Levante UD left the Estadio de la Cerámica empty-handed in a chaotic match where up to three players had to be substituted due to various physical issues. The Levante players fought until the very last moment, but the home team, who today secured their qualification for the Champions League, took all three points.

The first clear chance came from Villarreal CF with a shot by Comesaña that hit the crossbar. The home team was very aggressive in attack, seeking an early goal and trying in every possible way. The Levante players were forced to stay very alert in defense during this initial phase of the match to prevent their opponent from achieving their goal. Gradually, the Granota team gained ground and also had their opportunity. Carlos Álvarez passed to the right wing for Pablo Martínez, who crossed the ball, and Iván Romero's header was cleared by Pau Navarro when it seemed the ball was going in.

Around the first half-hour mark, Levante UD faced a setback as Carlos Álvarez was forced to leave the field after suffering a left ankle injury in an accidental clash with a home team player.

Villarreal CF regained possession of the ball and once again set their sights on the Granota goal. They found it in the 37th minute through Mikautadze, who scored with a cross-shot to make it 1-0. The Levante players showed their fighting spirit and gave it their all to try to equalize before halftime. They tried, but without success.

After the break, Levante UD had to make a change to their lineup due to Iván Romero being substituted because of physical discomfort. The Azulgranas continued their efforts to score, and five minutes in, a great team play initiated by Pampín ended in a goal after a cross from Pablo Martínez and a finish by Carlos Espí. The "Groguet" team tried to recover and pressed again in search of a goal. They succeeded in the 61st minute with a powerful shot from outside the box by A. Moleiro and, minutes later, with a finish by Mikautadze. This third goal dealt a blow to the morale of the Levante players, but they did not give up. Roger Brugué, who played his first minutes today after recovering from a knee injury, hit the crossbar, and Etta Eyong headed the ball, putting Arnau Tenas in trouble. Just when it seemed that Levante UD was closer to scoring, Buchanan made it 4-1. In the final moments of regulation time, Pepe scored the last goal for the home team. Olasagasti and Roger Brugué had their chances during injury time, but the match ended without any changes to the scoreboard.