Levante 2 : 1 Almeria - Levante out of drop zone with win

Posted Monday, November 03, 2014 by PA

Levante moved out of the Primera Division relegation zone after edging to a 2-1 victory over Almeria for their first home win of the season.

The game looked to be heading for a draw when Jonathan Zongo struck in the 71st minute to cancel out David Barral's first-half opener.

But Victor Casadesus knocked into an empty net just moments later to put the hosts back in charge and they held on to claim their first victory under new coach Lucas Alcaraz.

Alcaraz's tenure had got off to a nightmare start last weekend with a resounding 3-0 defeat at Celta Vigo, but his side were much improved in his first game at the Ciutat de Valencia, with his players closing down their opponents at every opportunity and looking to break quickly.

Almeria sought to take the initiative in the game and had most of the possession, but struggled to break down a determined Levante side.

The visitors were the first team to create a proper chance, however, with forwards Thievy Bifouma and Thomas Partey combining on the edge of the area, the latter seeing his low shot saved by Diego Marino.

But Levante were down the other end just moments later to break the deadlock in the 26th minute.

Almeria surrendered possession in midfield and Pape Diop played in Barral down the left hand side.

The 30-year-old still had plenty to do but weaved his way past a defender to slam the ball into the near corner, scoring Levante's first home goal of the season and netting for the first time in six months.

Almeria boss Francisco Rodriguez mixed things up in the second half, bringing on veterans Tomer Hemed and Fernando Soriano, plus the young Arsenal loanee Wellington Silva.

His changes had the desired effect, with Hemed flicking a corner in the direction of Zongo, who dived to head the ball home at the near post.

But Almeria's euphoria at drawing level was short lived. Levante forward Ruben Garcia was fouled a few yards outside the area, giving substitute Jaime Gavilan the opportunity to go for goal from the free-kick.

The midfielder sent the ball over the wall and onto the upright, the ball bouncing right in front of Casadesus, who prodded home.

Almeria had a chance to level in the dying moments but Wellington side-footed wide of the near post from a couple of yards out.

A furious Rodriguez kicked a water bottle into his dugout in frustration, the final whistle arriving seconds later to confirm his side's third consecutive defeat.