News
LUN 04.04.2016
1. Scrapping for their lives
The overriding sentiment from within both camps was that they needed the three points here, as rock-bottom Levante UD faced the side sitting directly above them, R. Sporting. The fact that both teams simply had to win gave rise to a real battle of attrition in which neither side wanted to give anything away. Both sets of players were fully focused and eager to stamp their authority on proceedings as they battled to get their noses in front. However, both teams ultimately come away with a point to keep their survival hopes intact.
2. Dangerous-looking Levante
Los Granotas dominated the opening 45 minutes as Rudi's men forced Sporting on to the back foot, but as the game drew on, the hosts' goal threat was washed away, and not just by the rain which was lashing down at the Ciutat de Valencia stadium, but rather because they were unable to convert any of their numerous chances.
3. The rain played its part
The rain served up an end-to-end encounter as the ball zipped along the turf, forcing both sides to be on their guard and keep the ball under close control throughout. The goalkeepers also had to be extra wary of the bounce of the ball in a tricky penalty area. In a clash of this magnitude, there really was no margin for error.
4. Abelardo turns to Halilovic
The young Croatian didn't make the visitors' starting line-up, but Abelardo Fernandez threw him on after the break in an attempt to try an open things up and give Levante something to think about. The Sporting boss sent the loanee on to win balls in the middle of the park and create opportunities in a bid to see his side come away with all three points.
5. Casadesus denied by the woodwork
The hosts looked a potent force after the break, but they were unable to make the breakthrough and they ultimately ran out of time. The closest they came to scoring was when Victor Casadesus - who had entered the fray just minutes earlier - saw him powerful effort come crashing back off the bar on 77 minutes.
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