Levante welcomed Granada to Valencia on Sunday looking to continue their impressive start to their La Liga campaign.
Nabil El Zhar had the chance to send his side into the lead from the penalty spot after 24 minutes, but his effort was saved by Roberto.
It appeared that the match was heading for a goalless draw, but second-half substitute Piti had other ideas as his free kick won it for Granada in stoppage time.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our penultimate live La Liga commentary of the evening comes from Valencia as Levante welcome Granada. As mentioned, it has been an impressive start to the season for the home side, with 17 points from their 11 matches leaving them in eighth position in the table. They have also won three of their last five games in La Liga.
It has been more difficult for Granada, however. As it stands, they are currently 15th in the table having collected 11 points from their 11 matches. That said, their away form has been impressive this season with two wins, two draws and just one defeat on the road. That is in contrast to their home form, where they have won just once and lost five times.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Levante have won two of the last four, with Granada also winning once and the other ending in a draw. As mentioned, the corresponding fixture last season ended in a 3-1 home win, but the points were shared in a 1-1 draw in the reverse clash in Match 2013.
TEAMS:
LEVANTE: Navas; Lell, Navarro, Vyntra, Juanfran; El Adoua, Diop, Lopez, El Zhar; Garcia, Diawara
GRANADA: Roberto; Nyom, Diakhate, Murillo, Angulo; Iturra, Recio, Fran Rico, Buonanotte; Pereira, El Arabi
So there we have it. No real surprises in the Levante XI this evening with Ruben Garcia once more joining Baba Diawara in attack. Pape Diop and Nabil El Zhar also both start for the home side. Granada, meanwhile, recall El-Arabi and Diego Buonanotte to an attacking lineup. Right, the away side get the action underway on this mild evening in Valencia. Let's hope for goals.
Not a full house inside the stadium this evening, but there is a strong atmosphere. It is the type of match where the first goal - if we indeed have one - could be all-important. The form book suggests that we will not have too many goals in this match, but form usually counts for nothing. Bright start from Granada, who have enjoyed much of the early possession in Valencia.
Neither side has really been allowed to settle in the opening four minutes here with the challenges arriving in the middle of the park. Nyom threatens for Granada as he advances down the right before delivering a dangerous cross into the box, but Navas comes to collect. Low-key opening to proceedings this evening.
Half-chance for Granada to open the scoring as Pereira meets a deep cross from Recio, but Diop is on hand to make a fine block at the vital moment. Strong couple of minutes for the away side, with El-Arabi and Buonanotte both involved in the final third. An early goal would certainly crank up the atmosphere this evening.
El-Zhar has a hint of a chance for the home side as he collects a loose header from Diakhate, but Murillo is across to make a fine challenge at the vital moment. The pressure continues in a wide area, but eventually Nyom manages to clear the danger. End-to-end football in the last couple of moments as Buonanotte breaks down the other end, but Navas is on hand to clear.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with both sides struggling to open that door in the final third. It is the type of match that could be decided by the odd goal. Granada continue to play the better football, but Levante have been impressive on the counter this season with the pace of Baba Diawara. Still goalless with 11 minutes on the clock.
Pereira remains the main outlet for Granada as his pace takes him past two challenges, but his final ball is straight into the arms of Navas. The home side have the opportunity to threaten from a free kick down the other end, but Diop's delivery is headed clear by Diakhate, who has returned to the Granda defence this evening following a one-game suspension.
Levante's threat continues to arrive from wide areas as Diawara drills a low cross into the box, but he cannot find a teammate. Levante are playing like the away side at the moment as they continue to allow Granada possession of the ball. However, neither side has created a clear-cut chance with 16 minutes on the clock in this La Liga encounter.
I hope I am wrong here, but I have a feeling that we could have a goalless draw on our hands. In truth, that result would suit both sides. There is no real intensity to either team's play at the moment with the tempo almost like a pre-season fixture. We are in need of some inspiration in the first period there is no question about that.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments as the challenges continue to arrive from both teams. Granada attempt to force the issue down the left moments later with a deep cross from Iturra, but Navas manages to tip over his crossbar for a corner, which is also cleared.
I would love to be able to say that there have been a number of chances in the last couple of moments, but that has not been the case. Granada continue to force the issue with a series of deep crosses into the Levante box, but the likes of Vyntra and Navarro have been impressive defensively thus far. Little over 20 minutes of the first period remaining.
PENALTY TO LEVANTE!
The home side are awarded a penalty with 24 minutes on the clock as Iturra fells El Zhar inside the box. It was harsh, but the Granada midfielder gave the referee a decision to make.
SAVE! Roberto saves the spot kick from El Zhar to keep the scores level. It was poor from the former Liverpool midfielder. Now we have a real match on our hands here.
Some might say that justice has been done, with the penalty award slightly harsh. Granada break down the other end moments later with Recio, but the Spaniard cannot find the run of El-Arabi inside the box. Suddenly this match has burst into life after a slow opening to proceedings.
Navas is called into action moments later as the Granada stopper pushes a Recio effort just wide of the post. El-Arabi hits the deck inside the box moments later, but the referee is not interested. Levante break down the other end with Diop, but he cannot find the run of Diawara.
CHANCE! Clear chance for Granada to take the lead as Buonanotte dances through a number of challenges before attempting to find the top corner, but Navas is across to make a fine save. The resulting corner also causes concern inside the Levante box, but Diop manages to clear a strike from Angulo.
Granada continue to dominate the possession inside the Levante half, but you just get the feeling that they need to take one of their chances before the interval. Just a reminder that Granada have Piti on their bench this evening, which is a big boost. The summer signing from Rayo Vallecano has been unavailable for a number of weeks due to a muscular injury.
Good pressure from the away side as they continue to deliver deep crosses into the Levante box, but Navas has been dominant in the air thus far. Levante have a free kick down the other end moments later, but Diop's delivery is straight into the arms of Roberto.
Another half-chance for Granada as Buonanotte drives past three challenges before attempting to bend one into the far corner, but it just moves wide of the post. He has looked the most likely for the away side this evening. Still goalless with little over five minutes of the first period remaining in Valencia.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with both sides struggling to find that elusive pass in the final third. Granada continue to dominate the possession, but Levante remain a threat on the counter. Little under five minutes of the first period remaining. Still goalless.
A couple of mistakes in quick succession from Granada hand Levante two corners. However, the first is cleared by Diop, before Juanfran fells Angulo inside the box. Both managers continue to parade the touchline as they ponder any slight changes at the interval.
Levante want another penalty as Garcia goes down inside the box under a challenge from Nyom, but the referee is not interested. It would have been harsh there is no question about that. Meanwhile, the referee indicates that we will play one additional minute at the end of the first period.
HALF TIME: Levante 0-0 Granada
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 0-0. Granada have had much of the play, but Levante could and should be ahead after gaining a penalty in the 24th minute. However, El Zhar's effort was straight at Roberto. Goalless at the interval in Valencia.
STATISTICS: Granada have dominated the possession with 67%, while they have had four attempts to Levante's two. In truth, not too much happened in the opening 20 minutes or so, but the second half of the first period brought chances for both teams. It is so delicately poised ahead of the second 45 minutes of action.
BENCH WATCH: Levante have a number of attacking options on their bench this evening in the shape of David Barral, Nong and Sergio Pinto. Meanwhile, Granada, as mentioned, have the returning Piti among their subs. Other options include Riki, Brahimi and Foulquier.
FLOODLIGHT FAILURE: Hello? Anyone there? The floodlights have gone out in Valencia this evening. No confirmation from either club as to what has caused the issue, but be sure to remain with us for the latest. Hopefully the second period will soon get underway.
Still no sign of the lights inside the stadium as the supporters wait patiently for an update. It is understood that the match is not in doubt, but there is no update at the moment. I know the first period didn't have that many clear chances, but it wasn't that bad. Who has cut the wires?! It seems to be an issue in Spain!
We have some light, not a lot, but some. Both teams are making their way onto the pitch, but no sign of the second period as we speak. It is hardly ideal for the players, who are attempting to stay warm while we wait for an announcement. The second period is expected to go ahead.
Almost like a social event inside the stadium as both sets of players chat on the pitch. They do not seem to mind. The supporters remain inside the stadium, which is a clear indication that the half will go ahead as planned.
UPDATE: Second period will go ahead at 7.30pm (8.30pm local time). Just a reminder of what has already happened in La Liga this afternoon. Valencia recorded a 1-0 win over Getafe in the early start, before Atletico Madrid moved one point behind leaders Barcelona with a 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao.
WE ARE UNDERWAY: Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Right, the home side get the second period underway in Valencia. One change for Levante at the interval as Ivanschitz replaces Lell.
Bright start to the second period from the away side as Angulo bursts down the right before finding Buonanotte, who is felled by Pedro Lopez on the edge of the box. The resulting set piece is taken by Rico, but Navas is on hand to clear. The Levante stopper is then called into action moments later to deny Pereira from inside the box.
Granada continue to impress in the early stages of the second period as Iturra combines with Pereira on the edge of the box before attempting to curl one towards the top corner, but Navarro is across to clear at the vital moment. Levante attempt to break down the other end with Diawara, but the striker is crowded out. Levante have not been allowed to start in the second half.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Granada to take the lead as Nyom races into the Levante box before attempting to poke one past Navas, but Navarro is across to clear at the vital moment. Levante want a penalty moments later as Angulo appears to handle in the box, but the referee is not interested. Some start to the second period in Valencia.
Well, not much happened in the early stages of the first period, but plenty has happened in the early stages of the second. Levante just need to be a little bit careful here as they continue to argue with the referee about his decision not to award a penalty. Diawara has a half-chance moments later as he finds some space inside the box, but Roberto is across to make a fine save.
Iturra continues to force the issue for the away side as he combines with Nyom before driving a low cross into the box, but Navarro is across to clear at the vital moment. Granada have a free kick moments later, which is delivered by Rico, but Diop is on hand to clear with a powerful header. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining in Valencia this evening.
Half-chance for Ivanschitz this time as the Levante attacker collects possession outside the box before attempting to find the top corner, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Neither side is too interested in defending at the moment as each continues to commit players into the final third.
Levante threaten on the counter once more as Garcia finds Lopez, who delivers a dangerous cross towards Diawara, but Roberto just manages to collect at the vital moment. Granada make their first change of the match moments later as Brahimi replaces Pereira, who limps off with a suspected thigh problem.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side as Diop finds El Zhar inside the box, but his powerful effort is saved by Roberto. Granada break down the other end moments later, but Recio fires his effort high and wide of the crossbar. Chances at both ends with 64 minutes on the clock. Such an open contest.
Granada make their second change of the match as Foulquier replaces Nyom, who appears to have picked up an injury. Diawara wants a penalty for the home side moments later as he drives into the box before falling under a challenge from Murillo, but the referee is not interested. This game has exploded into life in the second period.
CROSSBAR! Inventive effort from El Adoua as the Levante midfielder collects a bouncing ball inside the box before hooking one over his head, but it bounces off the top of the crossbar. The home side have a corner moments later, but Angulo clears under pressure from Diawara. I predicted a goalless draw earlier, but I would be surprised if we did not see a goal in the final 20 minutes or so.
Levante look to their bench once more as Portuguese midfielder Sergio Pinto replaces Diop, which is not a popular decision with the home supporters. It is a surprise that Lucas Alcaraz has not looked to introduce either Piti or Riki at this stage of proceedings. However, there is still time for both to make an impact.
Buonanotte wants a penalty as his cross appears to hit the arm of Pinto inside the box, but the referee is simply not interested. There could have been four or five penalties in this match. The resulting corner is whipped into the box, before Granada win a free kick, but Recio's delivery is straight into the arms of Navas in the Levante goal.
Half-chance for Brahimi this time as the Granada midfielder collects possession outside the box before cutting inside and releasing an attempt towards goal, but Navas is across to make the save. Just a few signs that Granada are starting to take control of proceedings, which was not the case in the early stages of the second period.
Levante make their third and final change of the match as they introduce Nong in replace of Garcia, who has just tired in the last five minutes or so. The free-kick count continues to rise for the away side as Recio twice delivers deep crosses into the box, but the danger is cleared.
CHANCE! Oh my word what a save. Quite sensational from Navas as the Levante stopper somehow keeps out a header from El-Arabi after fine work from Buonanotte. That is as good as you will see all season. How on earth is this match still goalless?! Piti appears imminent for the away side.
Indeed the change is made as Piti, who has recently returned from a long-term injury, replaces Buonanotte, which is a surprise. The Argentine has been a bright spark for his side this evening. You just get the feeling that there will be more chances in the latter stages of this one. Meanwhile, there should be three or four minutes of added time.
Half-chance for El-Arabi once more as the Granada striker hits one from outside the box, but his effort was always straight at Navas. Seems to be a problem for Diakhate moments later as the Granada skipper hits the deck following a challenge with Pinto. However, the powerful defender returns to his feet following a period of treatment.
CHANCE! It's wonderful work from El Zhar as the Levante midfielder creates two yards down the left before whipping a fine cross into the box, but Ivanschitz cannot make contact under pressure from Angulo. Murillo has a problem moments later as he catches one from El Zhar.
Yellow card for Diakhate moments later as the Granada defender fells Nong just outside the box. The resulting free kick is taken by Pinto, but his effort flashes just wide of the post. That looked to be heading for the top corner. It comes off the back of Diakhate, but the resulting corner is cleared by Roberto. Still the best part of five minutes remaining here when you take into account stoppage time.
The end-to-end period of the match continues with both sides forcing numbers in the final third. Nyom's low cross is just short for Diawara for Levante, before Piti fires wide down the other end. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes.
GOAL! Levante 0-1 Granada (Piti)
Stunning, just stunning from Piti. Oh how they have missed him. The former Rayo Vallecano striker stands over a free kick outside the box before hammering one into the top corner. Just sensational from the Spaniard. Is that enough to pick up all three points?
Pressure from Levante as they break down the other end with Nyom, but once more his cross is cleared at the vital moment. Piti gathers possession down the other end before finding Recio, who manages to win a free kick. What a result this would be for Granada.
FULL TIME: Levante 0-1 Granada
So there we have it. Incredible end to this match as Piti's late free kick secures all three points for Granada. The win moves them into 11th position in the table, while Levante remain eighth. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us tomorrow night for Elche against Villarreal. Until then!
