Levante vs Real Sociedad preview - Martins aims to add to feelgood factor at Levante
Posted Sunday, September 23, 2012 by PA
Levante received a double boost ahead of Sunday's Primera Division clash with Real Sociedad after following up victory in Europe in midweek by formalising the signing of Nigerian striker Obafemi Martins.
Juanfran scored the only goal of the game as Levante held firm against Swedish side Helsingborg to claim a 1-0 win in Europa League Group L on Thursday.
And 24 hours later the club were able to boast the signature of former Inter Milan and Newcastle striker Martins, who agreed to join the club earlier this week after falling out of favour at Russian outfit Rubin Kazan.
"I came here because I want to play," said Martins at his official unveiling. "I do not think about the money or other things because if I had, I would have stayed at Rubin Kazan.
"I'm here to do well, score goals and help the team."
Levante's start to their new Primera Liga campaign had been patchy, with just one win in four, but they started with plenty of confidence in their win against Helsingborg and will hope the goals of Martins can fire them up the standings.
Coach Juan Ignacio Martinez is optimistic their good European display can cross over into the domestic competition, with Primera Division survival still the club's aim despite their sixth-placed finish last season.
"We cannot allow ourselves any luxury which is not La Liga," Martinez told Marca. "The focus is to be in the Primera Division next year."
Sociedad's up and down start to the season continued as they beat Real Zaragoza 2-0 last weekend to make it two wins and two defeats from four matches.
Captain Xabi Prieto is now looking to build on the momentum of last week's win and pick up their first points on the road this weekend.
Prieto told Marca: "Levante is a team with veteran players who do everything to make the game uncomfortable for you.
"We can't fall into their trap, we have to try and impose our rhythm, play our game and take advantage of our chances."
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