Levante’s fight for survival continues. Just four days after their agonizing comeback against Osasuna, Luis Castro’s side produced another heroic performance to climb out of the relegation zone. From being written off to now having survival within reach, this is the story of a team that refuses to stop believing—something that was clear to see at Balaídos.
Celta started the match at lightning speed. Iago Aspas, who became the oldest player to ever feature for the club in this game, produced a moment of magic with his first touch. He set up his heir, Fer López, with a brilliant assist, but the young attacking midfielder failed to beat Ryan. Seconds later, Sotelo found Jutglà, who played a neat one-two with Hugo Álvarez before firing low past the Australian goalkeeper. Aspas also had a chance in the early stages, but his left-footed shot went wide.
Despite the early setback and the pressure of their precarious league position, Levante responded with dignity. Arriaga emerged as the leader of their fightback, starting with a close-range header that Radu saved, and then, just before half-time, unleashing a long-range shot that the Romanian goalkeeper mishandled into the net. Between those moments, Espí, Pablo Martínez, and Dela also tested the Celta defense with shots. Even after scoring, Arriaga tried his luck again from distance, but this time his effort missed the target.
Celta, however, reacted well and nearly went into the break ahead. Hugo Álvarez’s talent produced a wonderful move that ended with the Ourensano firing two shots, both of which Ryan saved. The reprieve was brief. Just as in the first half, Celta struck early in the second period, with Jutglà tapping home from a precise Javi Rueda cross in the 47th minute.
This time, Levante did not take as long to respond, but they used the same method. Dela unleashed a rocket that curled into the top corner, leaving Radu with no chance. The visitors’ joy was complete five minutes later when Brugué scored with his first touch, heading home from a poorly defended Celta corner. The Catalan’s goal brought hope back to Valencia.
**CELTA 2 – LEVANTE 3**
Levante storm Balaídos and escape the relegation zone!
From that point on, the Granotas set up a defensive wall to withstand Celta’s attacks, which were more heart than head in the final minutes. Only Mingueza showed some composure, delivering two crosses to Durán and Borja Iglesias, but the forwards could not finish. Brugué had the chance to seal the win, but his shot hit the crossbar. Celta then appealed for a penalty after Manu Sánchez challenged Jones, but referee Cordero Vega and the VAR deemed it not a foul.