Deportivo end long winless run

Morales, a major menace
Jose Luis Morales, who has been in superb form for UD Levante and was a livewire presence throughout the encounter, had a chance to draw first blood. After driving into the box in his usual effortless fashion, he slammed his attempted finish into the side netting. This warning shot showed that Levante had not just come to Riazor to defend.

Perez and Alberto, a lethal combination
The dovetailing duo have been lighting up LaLiga. They get on like a house on fire and it shows out on the pitch, including against Levante. Lucas Perez darted in behind the visitors' defence and squared the ball towards his partner in crime. A nick off a defender took the lay-off just behind Luis Alberto and prevented him from finishing first-time, but he did not panic, instead producing two majestic pirouettes to create space to then power home the opening goal. 

Rossi's moments of magic
Il Bambino once again offered glimpses of the bags of talent he possesses, particularly for the equaliser. Verza, Levante's midfield linchpin, played a great slide-rule pass through to the forward, who performed an exquisite piece of skill to jink past Alejandro Arribas and then side-footed home to make it 1-1, giving his team a big boost in the process.

A tale of two tactics
After the match was levelled up again, the two sides responded differently. The visitors now retreated, seeking to keep it tight and invite RC Deportivo on to them with a view to hitting them on the break. The hosts, meanwhile, got on the ball more and played with greater dynamism, aided by the introduction of Fede Cartabia up the right wing.

Late winner
Perez has enjoyed a sensational campaign and it was no surprise when he popped up to snatch all three points for the Galicians, putting paid to their 13-match winless run. With just a few minutes left on the clock, the number 7 pounce on a loose ball and rifled home – with a little help from the post and unfortunate goalkeeper Diego Mariño – to seal his team's first victory of 2016.