Levante UD secured a much-needed victory over CD Mirandés with a score of 1-0 during the twenty-eighth matchday of LaLiga Hypermotion, putting an end to their three-match winless streak. The match, played at the Ciutat de València stadium, saw the home side battling back after struggling for much of the game against the visitors who had initially dominated the proceedings.
It was a tightly contested match with limited goal-scoring opportunities, primarily due to the defensive effort from Mirandés, who controlled much of the play for the first 65 minutes. The initial attack came from Mirandés, as Iker Benito worked his way inside the area only to have his right-footed shot blocked by Levante goalkeeper Andrés Fernández. It was indicative of the visitors' confidence early on as they controlled possession and threatened the Levante goal more effectively.
The opening minutes were marked by frustration for Levante players like Carlos Álvarez, who struggled to find opportunities to influence the game. Even efforts from the likes of Joel Roca were stifled, and it seemed as though Mirandés was on the brink of scoring. A well-placed shot from Roca nearly found the back of the net before being expertly saved by Fernández.
Despite Mirandés’ initial dominance, Levante began to find their rhythm as the first half progressed. Their most notable chance came as Álvarez attempted to connect with José Morales, but Morales’ shot went askew. Nevertheless, it was Mirandés who continually looked dangerous, and they carried their momentum through the latter stages of the first half.
After halftime, with the score still tied at 0-0, Levante's head coach Julián Calero realized changes were required. A triple substitution early in the second half injected new life and fresh legs onto the pitch, allowing Levante to regain some ground. One of the substitutes, Iván Romero, was particularly instrumental, moving fluidly and causing issues for the Mirandés defense.
Then it happened; the turning point. A defensive error by Mirandés allowed Levante to strike. Tomeo, under pressure, made a poor pass, which was intercepted by Levante’s Kocho. He quickly set up Álvarez, who finished with precision to put Levante up 1-0. The goal, celebrated fervently by the home fans, marked Álvarez’s significant contribution throughout the match, as he had displayed consistent creativity and determination.
After taking the lead, Levante seemed invigorated, pressing for another goal, yet they faced increased urgency from Mirandés, who sought to equalize. Both sides faced tensions near the closing stages, culminating in chaos after Dadie of Mirandés committed a harsh foul and was sent off, followed shortly by Levante’s Dela, who received a second yellow card.
With the match winding down and the score still 1-0, both sides intensified their efforts, yet Levante held firm. This victory was pivotal not only for Calero and his squad but also as they looked to climb up the league table. Mirandés, meanwhile, had substantial hopes of continuing their run at the top but found themselves stymied, leaving with nothing to show for their efforts on the day.
Reflecting on the match, Levante demonstrated resilience, bouncing back after their previous struggles, proving to be effective under pressure. It was particularly noteworthy for Carlos Álvarez, who had been lauded as the match’s standout performer. His goal and overall contributions exemplified what many hope to see moving forward for the squad. With this victory, Levante has not only quelled doubts among their fanbase but also revitalized spirits within the team, indicating a potentially positive shift as they continue their campaign.