The Granotes faced a tough challenge at the Mestalla stadium, ultimately succumbing to the Ches in a match filled with intensity. The game’s only goal came in the 78th minute when Hugo Duro found the back of the net, sealing the fate for Levante.
After receiving a pinpoint cross from José Luis Gayà, Duro executed a precise shot from within the box, leaving the Levante goalkeeper with no chance to respond.
Hugo Duro’s performance was undeniably the highlight of the match, as he not only scored the decisive goal but also made two attempted shots at goal and completed four successful passes throughout the game.
Valencia’s Javi Guerra also stood out on the field, contributing significantly with 58 accurate passes, intercepting three balls, and attempting two shots of his own.
Under the guidance of head coach Carlos Corberán, Valencia lined up in a 4-5-1 formation, featuring Julen Agirrezabala in goal; a defensive line consisting of Thierry Correia, César Tárrega, José Copete, and José Luis Gayà; a midfield trio of Javi Guerra, Pepelu, Diego López, André Almeida and Arnaut Danjuma; and Lucas Beltrán up front.
On the other side, Levante, managed by Julián Calero, employed a 4-4-2 formation with Mathew Ryan in goal; a defense comprising Jeremy Toljan, Matías Moreno, Adrián de la Fuente, and Manu Sánchez; a midfield featuring Carlos Álvarez, Unai Elgezabal, Oriol Rey and Unai Vencedor; and forwards Iván Romero and Etta Eyong.
The match was officiated by referee Alejandro Muñiz Ruiz, who ensured that the game flowed smoothly despite the intensity on display.
In their next fixtures, Valencia will travel to face Rayo Vallecano, while Levante will host Athletic Bilbao at home. Following this result, Valencia holds the 15th position in the league table with 13 points, whereas Levante finds themselves at the bottom, positioned 19th with just 9 points.
Valencia’s Substitutions
53’ 2T – Lucas Beltrán was replaced by Hugo Duro. 71’ 2T – Arnaut Danjuma came off for Luis Rioja. 84’ 2T – Javi Guerra was substituted by Baptiste Santamaria, Thierry Correia left for Dimitri Foulquier, and André Almeida was substituted by Daniel Raba.
Yellow Cards for Valencia:
45’ 1T – José Copete (Unsportsmanlike conduct), 48’ 2T – Thierry Correia (Holding an opponent), 80’ 2T – José Luis Gayà (Unsportsmanlike conduct), and 53’ 2T – Hugo Duro (Argument with an opponent).
Levante’s Substitutions
68’ 2T – Iván Romero was replaced by Roger Brugué. 69’ 2T – Oriol Rey came off for Kervin Arriaga and Etta Eyong was substituted for Goduine Koyalipou. 82’ 2T – Unai Elgezabal was replaced by Jon Olasagasti and Unai Vencedor was substituted for José Luis Morales.
Yellow Cards for Levante:
30’ 1T – Carlos Álvarez (Holding an opponent), 33’ 1T – Oriol Rey (Unsportsmanlike conduct), and 50’ 2T – Matías Moreno (Argument with an opponent).