Levante welcomed Getafe to Valencia on Sunday knowing that three points would move them into the top half of the La Liga table.
Neither side could find the back of the net in a drab first period, but Levante did look the team most likely to open the scoring.
The second period followed a similar pattern, with neither side able to open the scoring as the points were shared.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Good afternoon all! Levante have just hit a bad patch in the last month or two, but Getafe have overcome a poor run of results to once more move into the European picture. This particular match will be test of both sides’ credentials as the season enters its final stages. As it stands, Levante sit three spots behind Getafe in 12th position.
In terms of the recent results between the two sides, both have won two of the last five matches with the other ending in a draw. As mentioned, Levante were 1-0 winners in the reverse fixture at the beginning of the season, but Getafe won 2-1 in this stadium last season. Recent history certainly points towards a close match this afternoon.
As mentioned, Levante currently sit in 12th position in the table. They were in Europa League action midweek against Rubin Kazan, with the Russian side securing a goalless draw in this stadium. However, they were beaten 2-0 by Osasuna in their last league match on their own patch. They will be keen to put that right against a Getafe team that has won four of their last five.
Levante have taken just five points from their last six matches, a run of results that has dropped them out of the European picture. That said, a couple of consecutive wins could once more put them in the mix. Their home league form has been impressive this season with seven wins from 12 matches, scoring 21 goals in the process.
They have struggled away from home, however, with just three wins from 14. Getafe, meanwhile, have managed four wins from 13 matches on the road, with just five teams winning more. Getafe have also been strong on their own patch this season with seven wins from 13 matches, losing just three times.
Getafe are one of the form sides in the division having taken 12 points from their last six matches, a run of form that has brought four wins. They currently sit in ninth position in the table, with a real chance of gate-crashing the European positions. If that is to be the case, then they must pick up three points in matches such as this.
TEAMS:
LEVANTE: Munua; Navarro, Lopez, Karabelas, Vyntra; Diop, Iborra, Rios, Michel, Garcia; Acquafresca
GETAFE: Moya; Alexis, Torres, Fernandez, Escudero; Gavilan, Castro, Lacen, Torres; Barrada, Colunga
So there we have it. No Obafemi Martins for the home side this afternoon, with Ruben Garcia and Acquafresca starting in attack. Pedro Rios also starts, but there is no place for Roger Marti. As expected for Getafe, meanwhile, with Adrian Colunga and Xaxi Torres both keeping their spots in the team.
Taking a look at the statistics, both teams have struggled in one particular area – defence. Levante have conceded 40 goals in their 26 league matches to date, but Getafe have conceded 44, with just three teams boasting a worse record. Down the other end, both have fared better, with Levante scoring 32 goals to Getafe’s 37.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Just about time for my pre-match prediction. Getafe certainly enter the match in the better form, but I am backing Levante to secure a score draw.
Right, three points for Getafe this evening would move them level on points with eighth-placed Rayo Vallecano. Meanwhile, Levante would rise level on points with Getafe. That is an indication of the importance of this particular match. The away side get the action underway on this mild early evening in Valencia.
Half-chance for the home side within the opening couple of minutes as Pedro Rios fires a low cross into the box, but it just would not fall for Acquafresca, with Moya on hand to clear the danger. Another half-chance follows moments later, but Michel can only turn into the side netting.
Getafe have a half-chance of their own as Gavilan floats a dangerous free kick into the penalty area, but Munua comes a long way to claim the danger. Explosive start to this match with both sides prepared to commit players to each attack. It may be the very early stages, but I can sense goals in Valencia.
Not a full house inside the stadium this early evening, but there is certainly a strong atmosphere. The end-to-end period of the match continues as Adrian Colunga fires wide for Getafe before Ruben Garcia is challenged just outside the Getafe box moments later. Still no real chances, however, with six minutes on the clock.
The home supporters are creating some noise inside the stadium as they whistle each time Getafe gain control of the possession. The away side force a good attacking opportunity as Castro dances into the box before striking towards goal, but it moves behind for a corner. The resulting set piece is taken by Torres, but Pedro Lopez heads clear.
Not too much to report in terms of clear chances thus far with both sides just attempting to feel their way into the match. Iborra is involved for Levante as he carries the ball down the right before delivering a cross into the box, but it is comfortable for Moya. There is no question that the home side will miss the pace of Martins in this match.
Slightly scrappy period of the match in the last couple of moments with the referee forced into making a number of decisions. Levante have been known to mix it with teams this season, but it has not been that type of match in the early stages. Good tempo, but we await the first real chance.
The end-to-end period of the match continues as Getafe sniff out the threat from Michel before breaking down the other end, but Adrian just chooses the wrong pass at the vital moment, with Pedro Lopez across to clear the danger. There are certainly goals in this match if the quality is better in the final third.
Getafe attempt to build from the back once more with Diop prepared to carry the ball through midfield before finding Ruben Garcia, but once more the Spaniard is crowded out by three players at the vital moment.
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CROSSBAR! Levante come within a whisker of taking the lead as Pedro Lopez strikes a powerful effort from just outside the box, but he rattles the crossbar. Good grief that is some effort from the defender. Getafe were holding on there.
Getafe attempt to force a couple of shooting opportunities as Adrian and Lacen both strike efforts from outside the box, but neither makes it to the goal with three defenders on hand to make the block. Stunning defending from the home side. The opening 20 minutes of this match has just flown by. The score remains 0-0.
Miguel Torres is the next to come close for Levante as he meets a bouncing ball in the box, but his effort was always rising over the crossbar. Decent pressure from the home side as they pen Getafe to their edge of their own box, but once more the danger breaks down at the vital moment. Slightly bitty match at the moment.
Not the best 25 minutes of La Liga football we have seen this season, but there are plenty of suggestions that goals will arrive as the match gathers pace. Both of these teams are well-matched in terms of their squad and players on the pitch, which is being demonstrated this evening. We have not seen much from Adrian in the opening 25 minutes, who is undoubtedly the danger man for Getafe.
No real tempo to the match at the moment with the referee called into action to deal with a number of challenges from both teams. The latest allows Getafe the chance to fire a free kick into the penalty area, but Lacen's set piece is cleared by Lopez, before Levante counter down the other end.
Good period for the away side as Castro works his way into the penalty area before finding Torres on the edge of the box, but his effort is just wide of the post. Not too much from Levante in the last few minutes. It is as plain as day that they struggle without the pace and movement of Martins, who has scored vital goals this season.
Not too many positives from the opening 32 minutes of this match, but at least the supporters have been greeted with some fine weather. The temperature has slightly fallen in Valencia, but there is plenty of sunshine. The pitch is also perfect, but the ball has spent more time in the air than on the floor thus far.
The home side want a penalty as Acquafresca hits the deck in the penalty area under the challenge of Lacen, but the referee is not interested, much to the frustration of the home supporters. There was contact, but whether there was enough to send him to the ground is another matter entirely. Little over 10 minutes of the half remaining.
Another half-chance for the away side to fire a free kick into the penalty area as Gavilan stands over the set piece, but he delivers straight into the arms of Munua. That just about sums up the first period of this match. Levante attempt to break with Michel, but both of his strikers had moved into offside positions.
Half-chance for the home side as Iborra attempts to catch the goalkeeper off his line with a long-range effort, but Moya is on hand to palm over his own crossbar. The resulting corner causes problems in the Getafe box, but eventually the danger is thumped clear.
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Decent pressure from Levante in the latter stages of the first period as they force two corners in quick succession, but the first is palmed over by Moya before the Spaniard claims the second. Getafe attempt to break down the other end with Adrian, but the Spaniard cannot find his strike partner. That has been the story of the first period thus far.
Little over two minutes of the first period remaining, with the score still level at 0-0. Neither side has really created enough to be worthy of the lead, but Levante have come the closest, rattling the crossbar with a strike from Lopez. In terms of well-matched teams, these two sides are just about as close as it can get. As it stands, I cannot see anything other than a draw.
Miguel Torres picks up a yellow card for Getafe in the final moments of the half for a high challenge on Acquafresca. Getafe have another free kick down the other end, but Barrada strikes it into the wall. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute of football at the end of the half.
HALF-TIME: Levante 0-0 Getafe
So there we have it. The referee blows the half-time whistle with the two sides level at 0-0. Not too much to report in terms of clear chances, but Levante have looked the team more capable of creating something in the final third. Two well-matched teams on display in Valencia.
STATISTICS: The away side have just about shaded the possession with 52%, but they have managed just four attempts to Levante's seven. Despite the number of attempts, most have been from distance, with either goalkeeper not too concerned.
BENCH WATCH: The home side do have attacking options on the bench in the shape of Valdo, Roger Mati and Nabil El Zhar. Meanwhile, Getafe have Lafita and Paco Alcacer in reserve. There are certainly goals in that list of players.
Just a reminder that following the completion of this match we have action from Celta Vigo against Real Madrid before arguably the match of the weekend as Real Sociedad host travel to Atletico Madrid. Be sure to remain with us as the evening unfolds.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. No changes for either side at the interval which is perhaps not too surprising at this stage of the match. A reminder that three points for the home side would move them level on points with Getafe. The home side get the half underway.
Confident start from Levante as Iborra combines with Rios before feeding a low ball behind the Getafe defence, but Moya is off his line to collect. Another attack follows moments later, but once more Garcia cannot sort out his feet in time. Quick tempo in the early stages of the second period.
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Another half-chance comes to the home side as Garcia combines with Acquafresca before collecting in the penalty area, but the linesman raises his flag to half Levante in their tracks. Iborra embarks on a mazy run moments later, but he loses possession before chopping down Barrada.
Better spell from the away side in the last couple of moments as they begin to pass and probe outside the Levante box, but there is just no way through the defence. Meanwhile, the referee is called into action to deal with a coming together between players in the penalty area. Slightly scrappy period of the match in the last few minutes.
Again it's good work from the away side as Torres embarks on a mazy run before combining with Barrada, but his resulting effort is just wide of the post. Neither goalkeeper has been asked too many questions despite a host of high crosses and shooting opportunities. The game really needs a goal in order to open the play.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few minutes, but Getafe have just started to take control of the possession. Still no movement on either bench, although I expect that to change in the next 10 minutes or so. That said, a point apiece would not be the worst result in the world.
Levante do indeed make their first change of the match as El Zhar replaces Rios. The former Liverpool winger has not really been at his best this season, but has a chance to impress in the final 30 minutes of this one. Getafe have certainly taken control of the possession, but clear chances remain very much at a premium.
The away side follow with a change of their own as Gavilan is replaced by Angel Lafita. Both teams have two more changes if they should so wish. It is the type of match that could be won by the single goal. What a three points it would be based on the tightness of the 61 minutes to date.
The home side just need their supporters to stay with them at the moment. There is a sense of unease as their players continue to hand possession to Getafe. A half-chance comes to the away side as Lafita strikes from distance, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. It really is a laboured match with 64 minutes on the clock.
Better from Levante in the last couple of moments as El Zhar collects possession out wide before driving a low cross into the box, but it just would not fall for Garcia. Another half-chance arrives moments later as Iborra whips a free kick into the box, but Moya comes a long way to clear the danger. Impressive from the goalkeeper once more.
Garcia becomes the latest Levante player to have his name taken for handball. The resulting free kick is taken by Lacen, but once more the quality leaves a lot to be desired. Meanwhile, the referee is called into action to deal with a host of challenges in quick succession. Unfortunately the tempo has just been strangled out of this match.
Getafe have just started to use the wings on a regular basis with Torres and Castro prepared to stretch the play in wide areas. It almost forces a chance as Adrian collects possession in the box, but he is quickly surrounded by two defenders. A corner does follow, but Munua is out to collect with relative ease.
Levante make another change as Michel is replaced by Marti. Little over 15 minutes of football remaining in this contest and still no sign of the opening goal. A half-chance does arrive for the away side as Adrian strikes an effort from close range, but it moves wide before Alvaro replaces Adrian for Getafe.
I would love to be able to say that the last few minutes has been full of clear chances and last-ditch clearances, but that has not been the case. It has been just about as poor a match as you will ever see at this level. Both teams have committed players to each attack, but the quality of the final pass has left a lot to be desired. But there is still time for late drama here.
Stoppage in play at the moment as a Getafe player falls to the ground outside the box, not too sure who is involved with a host of bodies around the player. But we will bring you up-to-date when it becomes known. However, not too serious fortunately as the medical men exit the pitch.
It is Fernandez who suffered the knock, but he does seem ok as he recovers on the sideline. It almost spurs the away side into action as Lacen strikes an effort from long range, but it was always moving wide of the post. Little under 10 minutes of football remaining here.
The tempo of the match has just been destroyed in the last few minutes with a series of fouls and changes. Levante make another change as Juanlu replaces Acquafresca, who has really struggled this evening. I would be surprised if we saw a winner in the final stages of this clash in Valencia.
Good pressure from the away side in the latter stages as Barrada collects possession before firing a low cross into the box, but Diop is back to make a fine challenge at the vital moment. Meanwhile, Getafe make their third and final change of the match as Rafa replaces Escudero.
I suspect that if we are to have a winner in the latter stages then it will come from either a mistake or something special. It would be the sweetest of three points if either could win it, but the cruellest of ways to lose. Getafe are doing the pressing as we enter the final two minutes.
CROSSBAR! Half-chance for the home side to win it as Michel advances into the Getafe box, but he can only fire wide of the post. Another chance arrives moments later, but Torres rattles the crossbar.
The match has just burst into life in the last couple of moments with Levante sensing a winner here, but they just cannot force the ball over the line. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional four minutes of added time and we are indeed into the first of those.
Another half-chance comes to the home side as Marti dances into the box, but his effort towards the bottom corner is cleared on the line. Getafe just cannot get out of their own half at the moment, but it does appear that they will hang on. Little over one minute of football remaining in Valencia.
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FULL-TIME: Levante 0-0 Getafe
So there we have it. Levante cannot make their late pressure tell as the two sides share the points. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to stay with us for Celta Vigo against Real Madrid. Until then!
