If you missed the clash at the Estadio Ciudad de Valencia yesterday, you missed one of the most chaotic 1-0 games in recent memory. Levante UD managed to claw their way off the bottom of the La Liga table, but they certainly didn’t do it the easy way.
The Rise of Carlos Espi
The headline act was undoubtedly 20-year-old sensation Carlos Espi. He’s now scored seven goals in his last six games, but his night almost ended before it began. Just eight minutes in, he was initially shown a red card, only for the referee to downgrade it to a yellow after a VAR review.
That reprieve proved fatal for Getafe. In the 82nd minute, Espi rose to meet a cross from Manu Sanchez, nodding home the goal that sent the home fans into a frenzy.
Penalty Heartbreak (Twice!)
Levante should have had this wrapped up much earlier. Getafe’s keeper, David Soria, was in inspired form, playing the role of the villain for the hosts by saving two penalties.
• The first: Adrián Dela stepped up around the hour mark but saw his effort parried.
• The second: In a heart-stopping stoppage-time moment, Ivan Romero had the chance to make it 2-0, but Soria denied him again.
Chaos at the Death
Getafe’s frustrations boiled over in the final seconds when Zaid Romero was sent off, leaving the visitors to finish with ten men. Despite the penalty misses and the late drama, Levante held firm to secure a vital three points.
This win is a massive statement of intent for Levante, who have now taken 11 points from their last 18. They’ve finally jumped ahead of Real Oviedo and are breathing down the necks of Elche as the fight to avoid the drop intensifies.
