La Real fell to Levante 2-1 in a match in which, despite having had enough chances to clinch at least a point, they left the Ciutat de Valencia empty-handed.
The game was an open affair from the first whistle. The hosts defended with a very advanced defense, allowing good attacking options for the txuri urdin. On minute 15, Isak almost scored the first of the night in a fine individual move, but his lob was miraculously saved by Cárdenas. Then, Zubimendi tried his luck after a corner kick but to avail. With Levante risking a lot at the back, la Real continued to create many scoring chances, although they lacked accuracy. The Granotas, in a counterattack, had their clearest chance with a left-footed shot from Morales that was well saved by Remiro. The txuri urdin enjoyed another good chance on minute 30. Merino put in a ball and Sorloth, a bit forced, headed home but his effort hit the post. Two minutes later, the woodwork was hit again. On this occasion, a tremendous left-footed shot from Isak burst the crossbar. Once again, misfortune struck the realistas. Despite the realistas efforts, Levante once again had a very clear chance in the boots of Morales. His shot, from close range, was well saved by Remiro. The game was a non-stop of chances. At that point, Gorosabel was already singing goal when his shot was saved by Son under the posts. Just before the break, Morales had another clear chance but Remiro denied him again. What a crazy first half.
The second half got off to a bad start as eight minutes after the restart, the locals took the lead with a goal by Miramón. La Real responded well and managed to equalize shortly after. Isak’s shot hit the crossbar again. The rebound was picked up by Gorosabel and his cross was headed into the net by Silva. The final minutes were not for the faint of heart. Silva could have added a second but his shot hit a defender as the ball was heading for goal. In the final minutes, with both teams looking for the victory, Melero scored the second and final goal for the locals from the penalty spot.
Unexpected setback and that forces la Real to continue fighting until the end. A missed opportunity to get three points. Aupa, Real!
Match details:
Levante UD: Cárdenas, Miramón, Rubén Vezo, Duarte (Postigo, min.76), Rober Pier, Son, Pepelu, Radoja (Roger, min.76), Campaña (Melero, min.63), Dani Gómez (Bardhi, min.63) and Morales (cap) (Malsa, min. 93).
Real Sociedad: Remiro, Gorosabel, Zubeldia, Le Normand, Rico, Zubimendi, Merino (Illarra, min. 91), Rafael (Januzaj, min.84), Silva, Isak (Portu, min.84) and Sorloth.
Goals: 1-0: Miramón, min.53. 1-1: Silva, min.66. 2-1: Melero (pen.), min. 90
Referee: Alberola Rojas. Booked Rober Pier and Miramón for Levante UD and Isak, Rico and Le Normand for Real Sociedad.