Rossi throws Levante UD a lifeline

Cancelo injured

Valencia came out of the blocks fighting and had the best chances early on courtesy of Feghouli but the visitors' plans for the Valencian derby soon faltered. Joao Cancelo picked up an injury and was unable to continue, with Gary Neville opting for Antonio Barragan to take his place before the locals had their best opportunity up to that point - a shot from Rossi coming off the woodwork.

Dogged determination from Levante

Despite their strong start, Valencia lost their resolve as the minutes ticked by, while, Levante, conversely, gathered momentum. The Granotas went from strength to strength as the match continued and narrowly missed a number of opportunities which could have seen them go ahead. Aware that fortune favours the bold, Rubi's charges were throwing everything into securing the goal that had so far eluded them.

Diego Alves

Levante's frustrations in front of the goal were down to the efforts of Diego Alves. The Brazilian goalkeeper has made a stellar return from injury and, as the season progresses, is proving himself to, once again, be one of the safest pair of hands in the championship. The keeper orchestrated several impressive saves which prevented Levante from opening the scoring in the first half.

Rossi delivers the goods

The tighter the game, the more Giuseppe Rossi seems to like it. The striker conjured up a brilliant effort to put his team ahead, picking up on a throw in, which he hooked into Alves's goal past a bewildered Shkodran Mustafi.

Ciutat de Valencia side thrown a lifeline

The locals went into the derby six points shy of the safe zone. Rubi's side were conscious that they were heading into a definitive game and this win comes as a morale boost which will rally them for what lies ahead. Levante have closed the gap and kept their campaign hopes alive.