Real Sociedad 1 : 3 Levante - Levante's Euro charge continues

Posted Wednesday, March 21, 2012 by PA

Levante came from behind to beat 10-man Real Sociedad 3-1 and keep their surprise challenge for European qualification on track.

Jose Barkero's 12th-minute penalty cancelled out an early strike from Carlos Vela before Arouna Kone put Levante ahead.

Sociedad were reduced to 10 men after 57 minutes when defender Gorka Elustondo was sent off for a second bookable offence.

Levante wrapped up the victory with an injury-time strike from replacement Xavi Torres to move within three points of Valencia in third place.

Sociedad, who began the night in 14th place, were without suspended forward Antoine Griezmann, but they made a fast start with Vela's 20-yard strike.

The former Arsenal striker was teed up by Xabi Prieto and, from the right side of the box, dispatched a low angled shot past Levante goalkeeper Gustavo Munua.

But Levante were back on level terms within six minutes when Barkero scored from the penalty spot after Sociedad defender Inigo Martinez fouled Nabil El Zhar in the box.

Levante took the lead on the stroke of half-time through Kone, who latched on to a long ball from Vicente Iborra and beat goalkeeper Claudio Bravo with a cross shot.

Sociedad's task was made harder when Elustondo was shown a second yellow card after 56 minutes for a foul on Nabil El Zhar.

Levante rounded off the victory when Abdelkader Ghezzal picked out Torres from the right flank and the substitute midfielder finished high into the net.