Levante welcomed in-form Osasuna to the Estadio Ciudad de Valencia on Monday looking for the three points to aid their European hopes.
Obafemi Martins had three glorious chances to put the home side ahead at the interval, but he found Osasuna goalkeeper Andres Fernandez in fine form.
Both sides had chances in the second period, but goals from Masoud Shojaei and Kike Sola in the final three minutes secured Osasuna all three points.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Week 25 in La Liga is completed as Levante welcome Osasuna. There have been a lot of enthralling weekends in Spain this season, but this round of fixtures was certainly up there with the best. Let’s hope that the pattern continues this evening in Valencia.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Osasuna have certainly enjoyed the best of it, winning three of the last five matches. The last time Levante picked up a win against Osasuna in this stadium was in February 2011. It gets worse for Levante, however, with the Valencia-based side failing to score in their last three games against their opponents this evening.
As mentioned, Levante currently sit in 10th position in the table. The have picked up just four points from their last six matches, but they did secure qualification to the Europa League final 16 with a two-legged win over Olympiacos last week. They face a fight, however, if they wish to secure European football this time around.
The home side sit eight points behind fourth-placed Malaga, but just five behind Real Betis, who are fifth. Three points this evening are a must if they are to remain in touch. Levante’s home form this season has been quite impressive with seven wins from their 11 matches, taking 22 points in the process.
That is in contrast to their away form, where they have won just three of 13 fixtures. Looking at their numbers this season, it is not too surprising that they have struggled in recent weeks. They have conceded 36 goals in their 25 matches thus far, while they have hit the back of the net just 30 times.
TEAMS:
LEVANTE: Navas; Navarro, Juanfran, Vyntra, Ballesteros; Diop, Iborra, Rios, Michel; Garcia, Martins
OSASUNA: Fernandez; Damia, Ruben, Bertran, Oier; Arribas, Silva, De las Cuevas, Armenteros; Loe, Nino
So there we have it. The home side recall Ruben Garcia in attacking alongside Obafemi Martins, while Pedro Rios and David Navarro also come into the team. Osasuna have no less than eight Spaniards in their starting side, but there is no place for Joseba Llorente, who continues on the bench.
Osasuna, meanwhile, currently sit in 16th position in the table. They are just two points above the drop zone, but have picked up 11 points from their last six matches, which is just one less than Atletico Madrid. They will not enter the match with too much confidence, however, having won just once on the road this season.
Osasuna’s have been more consistent on their home patch with five wins from 13 games, but it is easy to see why they have struggled this season. No team in La Liga has scored fewer goals than Osasuna, with the Spanish outfit hitting the back of the net just 20 times in 24 games. They have been impressive down the other end, however, with just 27 conceded, the fourth-best record in the division.
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. I just cannot see any possible way how Osasuna take something from this match. It is a 2-0 comfortable home win for me.
Tonight's referee is Carlos Delgado. Let's hope that we can keep all 22 players on the pitch this evening, which was been a rarity in La Liga this season it must be said. A quick reminder of the main team news, Martins and Garcia start in attack for Levante, while Osasuna leave Sola on the bench. The home side get the action underway.
Not a full house inside the stadium this evening, but there is a decent atmosphere nonetheless. A quick word on the Osasuna team this evening, they have Oier providing the support to Nino in attack. It is a surprise that they have not started Sola, who has been impressive in recent weeks. The early stages could ultimately shape this match. Let's hope for a clash full of excitement.
Neither side has really taken control of the opening four minutes of this match with both teams guilty of losing possession in midfield. The ball has spent more time in the air than on the ground thus far. Osasuna enter this match having won three of their last five, but they remain just two points clear of the relegation zone.
Decent spell from the away side in the last couple of moments with Loe combining with Nino before driving into the box, but Diop is across to make a challenge at the vital moment. You just get the sense that Osasuna need to score first if they are to take something from this match. They have scored the least amount of goals in La Liga thus far this season.
First sight of goal for the home side as Michel drives down the left before firing a cross into the box, but Damia comes across to make the clearance. The resulting corner is taken short to Ruben, with the Spaniard finding Martins, but his effort is wide of the post.
CHANCE! Clearest chance of the match by some distance as Martins pounces on a loose ball inside the box, but he cannot fire home from close range, with Fernandez on hand to make a wonderful save. Levante are just starting to get to grips with this match as the first period begins to gather pace.
Half-chance for the away side as De Las Cuevas strikes an effort from outside the box, but it is well wide of the post. Not too surprising seeing as how he has not scored a goal all season. Not too much between these two sides in the early stages, but the home team have had the game's most outstanding chance.
Decent spell for Osasuna in the last couple of moments with Nino and Armenteros both striking efforts from outside the box. The latter's tests Navas, but the Levante goalkeeper collects before attempting to set up a counter for his side. It does not have the feel of a match that will be full of goals.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with both teams still attempting to find their passing tempo in the match. Levante continue to look for the run of Martins, but the Nigerian was been marshalled by the Osasuna defence thus far. The away side may not score too many, but they do not concede many either.
CHANCE! Oh my word! What a chance for the home side. It is wonderful work from Michel as the Spaniard fires a low cross towards Martins, who appears on course to tap into the empty net, but somehow Ruben is back to make a sensational challenge. Fernandez is then called into action moments later to deny Martins from close range.
CHANCE! Another fine chance for the home side as Martins drives into the penalty area, but Fernandez is out once more to make a stunning save. The Spanish goalkeeper has been linked with both Real Madrid and Barcelona and it is easy to see why. Incredible.
Half-chance for the away side this time as De Las Cuevas strikes an effort from outside the box, but Varas is on hand to tip over the crossbar. Another opportunity comes from the resulting corner, but Silva can only head over the crossbar.
It is almost as if someone has just turned a switch with the match now full of life. Levante come close to the opener with a free kick some 30 yards from goal, but Ruben's cross is collected by Fernandez, who is enjoying some opening to this match. Nino threatens down the other end, but there are no takers on his low cross into the box.
Navarro almost puts his own goalkeeper in trouble with a short back-pass, but Navas just manages to clear under pressure from Nino. Osasuna enjoy a period of possession moments later, but they just cannot find that pass in the final third. A little bit more quality and Osasuna could take something from this match.
Osasuna continue to enjoy decent possession of the ball with Silva and Armenteros combining to good effect, but they just need more from Oier at the moment with the Spaniard struggling to influence proceedings. A cross from Damia does allow Nino the chance to head towards goal moments later, but his effort was always moving wide of the post.
Little over 15 minutes of the first period to play with the score remaining at 0-0. Levante have certainly had more than enough chances to be worth the lead, but Osasuna have been good in possession in the last 10 minutes or so. It is the type of match that is in dire need of a goal.
Again the away side threaten in the final third with Nino combining with Loe before feeding it wide to Arribas, but it breaks down at the vital moment. Levante immediately look down the other end with Iborra sliding a pass towards Martins, but the Nigerian had just moved too quickly. Not too much to get excited about at the moment.
Another half-chance comes to Martins as the Nigerian is found in the penalty area by Ruben, but Damia is across at the vital moment to make a sensational block. It is no exaggeration to say that the striker could have had four in the opening 34 minutes of this match. Wonderful defending once more.
Decent possession for the home side in the last few moments with Ruben just operating closer to Martins, but it does appear that the Nigerian could have suffered a knock. Nothing too serious, but I shall keep an eye on it. Little under 10 minutes of the half remaining with the score still level at 0-0.
It must be said that the atmosphere inside the stadium is ever so flat this evening. It is almost as if the home supporters have turned up expecting their team to win comfortably. Osasuna obviously had not read the script, however, as they continue to demonstrate confidence and ability on the ball.
Slightly scrappy period of the match in the last few minutes with both sides guilty of giving away a host of free kicks in the opposing penalty area. Levante's defence is just so deep at the moment, but to suggest that they are not blessed with pace in that area is probably a bit kind!
POST! Another fine chance for the home side as Ballesteros makes the most of a nothing ball into the penalty area, but his low effort smashes off the post. Juanfran has an effort moments later, but Ruben is on hand to make a fine block. All one-way traffic in the latter stages of this half.
Levante continue to win free kicks outside the Osasuna penalty box in the latter stages of the half, but the quality of their set pieces has left a lot to be desired. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute at the end of the half.
HALF-TIME: Levante 0-0 Osasuna
So there we have it. The referee blows his whistle with the two sides level at 0-0. Levante have certainly had the best of the chances, with Martins coming close on a number of occasions, but Osasuna have dominated possession of the ball.
Let's take a look at some statistics from the first period. As mentioned, Osasuna have enjoyed more possession with 59%, while they have had five attempts on goal to Levante's four. That said, all four of the home side's chances were golden opportunities to open the scoring.
What about both benches for this evening? The home side do have attacking options with Valdo and Jose Barkero, while Osasuna have the likes of Alvaro Cejudo and Kike Sola in reserve. It would not be surprising to see changes in the early stages of the second period.
As it stands Levante would move into ninth position in the table, seven points off the top four. Osasuna, meanwhile, would jump two places to 14th, three points clear of the relegation zone. I backed Levante prior to the game, but there is something about Osasuna this evening that makes me think that they could take something.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the second period. No changes for either side at the interval, but I expect that will change as the second half gathers pace. Just a quick reminder that we have Copa del Rey semi-final action this week, starting with Barcelona vs. Real Madrid tomorrow. The away side get the half underway.
It must be said that the wind really has started to swirl inside the stadium, with both sets of players not too keen on the weather. That should see the ball played more on the deck, which would favour Osasuna. A half-chance comes to Nino as he strikes from distance, but Navas was always comfortable in claiming.
A reminder that Osasuna have only won once away from home this season, while they have scored just eight goals on the road. You just get the feeling that they could take something from this match, however, with the relegation-threatened outfit playing the better football. Although Martins remains such a threat down the other end with his pace and movement.
Both sets of substitutes are warming up on the sidelines at the moment. However, that could be just to keep warm, rather than readying themselves for action. The temperature really has dropped inside the stadium. Not too much for the Levante supporters to get excited about in the early stages of the second period.
Half-chance for the home side to create a shooting opportunity as Ruben Garcia drives down the left before firing a low cross into the box, but there are no takers with the ball moving out of play for a throw. It must also be said that the referee has been impressive this evening. He has not awarded a single yellow card thus far, which is rarity in Spain this season.
It is a surprise that Osasuna have not looked for that pass behind the Levante defence, with a distinct lack of pace in that particular area. However, the home side have set up with a deep line this evening. Slightly scrappy period in the last couple of moments as Rios hits the deck under a clash with Osasuna striker Loe.
The stretcher makes its way across the pitch, but as soon as the paramedics arrive, the player gets to his feet before running onto the pitch moments later. It is a miracle! Decent pressure from Osasuna moments later as Las Cuevas fires a low cross into the box, but Armenteros can only head wide of the post.
It does not look too clever for Diop, who clashed with Armenteros during the last chance. The paramedics are back on the pitch with their stretcher, but it is not yet clear just how serious the injury is. One thing is for certain, Diop will not be carrying on in this match. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining.
Diop does indeed depart the pitch on a stretcher, with Barkero coming onto the field. Thankfully, it does not look quite as serious as first feared. That change just might open this match up with his attacking craft. It does appear that one goal could be enough to pick up all three points.
CROSSBAR! Stunning football from the away side as Loe finds Arribas in the box following a sweeping move, but the Spaniard can only thump his effort against the crossbar, before Navas collects. Incredible moment in this match. What an opportunity to open the scoring.
Really untidy period to this match in the last few moments with both sides guilty of giving away a host of fouls. However, the referee has not yet opened his notebook. I suspect that will change in the latter stages. Still no sign of the opening goal, but Osasuna continue to look the most likely.
The first yellow card of the match arrives as Loe fells Michel just outside the penalty area. The resulting free kick is taken by Barkero, but he fires it high and wide of the crossbar. That just about sums up their performance in this second period. The rugby was yesterday Jose.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the away side this time as Armenteros curls an effort towards the bottom corner, but Navas gets across to make a fine save. It must be said that both goalkeepers have been very impressive this evening. It remains 0-0 with 20 minutes of football remaining.
Another half-chance comes to the away side as Damia finds Nino on the edge of the box, but he can only fire his effort over the crossbar. Osasuna have utterly bossed this second period, but they have not been able to find a goal. Meanwhile, the home side make their second change of the match as Rios is replaced by Valdo. Will we have a winner in the latter stages of this match?
Right, just about 15 minutes of football remaining and still the score stays level at 0-0. Another half-chance comes to the away side as Silva floats a lovely ball over the Levante defence, but Navas is on hand to clear at the vital moment. Nothing for the home side as an attacking threat in the second period thus far.
Both sides made changes as Sola replaces Nino for Osasuna before Dudka is introduced in place of Michel for the home side. All or nothing for Levante with all three changes made. However, the away side have two more should Mendilibar so wish. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the past few minutes.
Osasuna continue to look the most likely as Oier collects possession outside the box before striking towards the bottom corner, but it just flashes wide of the post. The second yellow card of the match is awarded down the other end moments later, however, as Ruben fells Barkero in a wide area. The resulting free kick comes in from the latter, but Arribas heads clear.
End-to-end football in the last couple of minutes with Barkero causing all sorts of problems with a mazy run, but his low cross has no takers. The resulting corner also causes problems in the box, but Ruben heads clear. A counter down the other end hands Osasuna the chance to open the scoring, but Nino just cannot sort out his feet in the penalty area. Little under 10 minutes of football remaining.
Osasuna make their second change of the match as Masoud replaces De Las Cuevas, who has impressed this evening. The pace of Martins comes close to creating another chance for Levante, but the pass from Iborra is just too long for the Nigerian. Little over five minutes of football remaining.
The away side make their third and final change of the match as Punal replaces Oier, who has struggled to influence proceedings in the second period. A point would certainly be a good result for the away side, but Levante will feel that they should be winning these type of games. That said, there is still four minutes of normal time remaining.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the away side to win it as Sola rounds the goalkeeper before looking to tap into an empty net, but he takes a fresh-air shot, with Juanfran on hand to clear the danger. Incredible moment in this match. Little over two minutes of normal time remaining.
GOAL! Levante 0-1 Osasuna (Masoud)
Oh my word! What has Masoud just done?! Incredible from the midfielder as he cuts inside two players before curling an effort into the top corner. What a strike. Is that enough for all three points?!
The home supporters have just started to depart the stadium following that goal, but there is still plenty of time for the home side to secure an equaliser. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional four minutes of stoppage time and we are indeed into the first of those.
Comfortable for Osasuna in the latter stages of the match as they continue to keep hold of the possession. What a result this would be in the context of their season. Is there time for one last push from the home side?! Just about one minute of football remaining.
GOAL! Levante 0-2 Osasuna (Sola)
Sola wraps up the points in the final moments as he collects a pass from Nino before smashing his effort into the back of the net. Poor defending from Levante.
FULL-TIME: Levante 0-2 Osasuna
So there we have it. Osasuna score twice in the final three minutes to secure all three points against Levante. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us for Copa del Rey football tomorrow. Until then!
