Valencia welcomed Levante to the Mestalla on Saturday knowing that three points would move them into the top half of the La Liga table.
The home side dominated proceedings in the first period and led by one goal at the interval courtesy of a smart finish from Pablo Piatti.
Valencia had to wait until the 73rd minute to be sure of the points, however, with Sofiane Feghouli finding the back of the net from close range.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our penultimate live La Liga commentary of the evening comes from the Mestalla as Valencia welcome Levante. New Valencia boss Juan Antonio Pizzi will be hoping to collect his first three points of the season, but Levante are unbeaten in their last three matches with the former Spanish champions.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Valencia have won two of the last five matches, with Levante winning once and the further two ending in draws. As mentioned, the corresponding fixture last season ended in a 2-2 draw, but Levante were 1-0 winners on their own patch earlier in the campaign.
TEAMS:
VALENCIA: Alves; Barragan, Costa, Mathieu, Feghouli; Parejo, Romeu, Bernat; Postiga, Jonas, Piatti
LEVANTE: Navas; Lopez, Karabelas, Vyntra, El Adoua; Diop, Simao, Rios; Garcia, Ivanschitz, Barral
So there we have it. Still no place in the Valencia XI for Pabon or Banega, but Pablo Piatti does start in attack. There are also places for Juan Bernat and Dani Parejo in midfield. Levante, meanwhile, leave Nabil El Zhar and Angel on the bench, with David Barral continuing as the lone forward. Two attacking lineups at the Mestalla.
Valencia, in truth, have struggled to come to terms with the loss of Roberto Soldado in the summer thus far. The former Spanish champions have not had a regular scorer in the league, while problems in defence have also been apparent. Champions League football is expected for a club of this size, but they are nervously looking over their shoulder at the bottom three.
As it stands, Valencia sit in 11th spot in the table. They have won six of their 17 matches, drawing twice and losing nine times. They are just five points off the relegation zone and 13 from the top four, which is an indication of their troubles this season. That said, they certainly have the players to put together a run in the second part of the season.
The Mestalla has been a tough hunting ground for teams in previous seasons, but that has not been the case this time around. Valencia have won just four of their nine league games on their own patch, losing four times in the process. Their away record, meanwhile, has been really poor with just two wins and five defeats on the road.
Levante, meanwhile, enter the match off the back of a 3-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid before the winter break, but they will take heart from their performance at the Vicente Calderon. It has been a mixed bag for the Spanish side this season, but they have collected 20 points and could move as high as eighth depending on the result this evening.
Levante’s away form has been fairly solid with three wins from their nine matches, taking 11 points in the process, which is more than Athletic Bilbao, who currently sit fourth. They have struggled on their own patch, however, with just two wins from eight games. Goals have also been a problem with just 17 in their 17 league games.
PREDICTION: It has been a disappointing season for Valencia, but this match could be a catalyst for new boss Pizzi. Levante have been fairly solid on the road this season, but I wonder whether they will have enough of the ball at the Mestalla. My score prediction is 2-0 Valencia.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the first period. It will come as no surprise that there is a sensational atmosphere inside the stadium. Let's hope matters on the field reflect those in the stands. The home side get the action underway on this mild evening in Spain.
Sharp start from the away side as Diop and Simao both win back possession in a matter of seconds before the latter finds Garcia inside the Valencia box, but he cannot release an effort on goal. Feghouli is down the other end moments later, but his effort is straight at Navas from close range.
Incredible start to this derby with the challenges arriving from all angles. Valencia continue to force the issue as Piatti delivers a deep corner towards Jonas, but Barral manages to clear. I would be surprised if this was not a high-scoring affair at the Mestalla. Both managers have sent out attacking teams this evening.
Another opportunity for the home side to threaten from a free kick as Bernat is felled by Rios outside the box. The resulting set piece is taken by Parejo, but his dangerous delivery is gathered by Navas. Not too much from Levante in the last couple of moments as the pressure continues from Valencia, with new boss Pizzi looking on.
Not too much to report in terms of opportunities in the last couple of moments, but Valencia remain in control of the possession. Meanwhile, the supporters continue to create a stunning atmosphere inside the stadium. Jonas looks for Piatti moments later with a threaded pass, but Navas is out to clear at the vital moment.
A mistake from Romeu hands possession to Rios just outside the Valencia box, but the Levante midfielder cannot find Barral with a through pass at the vital moment. Valencia break down the other end with Jonas, but the Brazilian cannot find the run of Postiga, who had made a late run to the far post.
Another half-chance for the away side as Ivanschitz curls one from the edge of the box, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Piatti delivers a deep cross into the Levante area moments later, but Navas comes to collect. Still goalless with 13 minutes on the clock.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments with the challenges arriving from both sides. A low cross from Jonas threatens to find Postiga in the Levante area moments later, but Vyntra manages to clear, before Jonas curls one wide of the far post.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments as the referee continues to be called into action in the middle of the park. The atmosphere in the stands is sensational, but matters on the field have not reflected that thus far. Still goalless at the Mestalla.
Half-chance for Piatti this time as the Valencia forward gathers possession outside the box before curling an effort towards goal, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. The windy conditions are not helping either side at the moment, but Levante are just starting to warm to their task as they threaten on the counter once more.
It has not been the best day of La Liga football thus far with Atletico Madrid narrowly beating Malaga 1-0 earlier this afternoon, before Real Betis drew 0-0 at Real Valladolid. Still no sign of a goal at the Mestalla as Feghouli delivers a cross straight into the arms of Navas. This match is in desperate need of a goal that is for certain.
Good pressure from Levante in the last couple of moments as they force two corners in quick succession, but Postiga and Jonas take it in turns to clear the danger. A third arrives moments later, but the home side manage to clear once more. Sustained period of pressure from Levante, but it comes to nothing.
Valencia continue to force the issue in the wide areas as Mathieu drives a low cross into the box, but Diop is on hand to clear the danger. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital in this type of match. Levante would be more than happy with a goalless draw here there is no question about that.
The stop-start period of the match continues as the challenges continue to arrive in the middle of the park. It must be said that the noise levels inside the stadium have not dropped for one moment, even with the lack of chances or attacking football. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining at the Mestalla.
More frustration for Valencia as a poor clearance from El Adoua causes all sorts of problems inside the Levante box, but the referee blows for a free kick on Navas. For me, Postiga had just stood his ground. This referee is known for being overly sensitive to challenges on the goalkeeper.
Poor from Levante in the last couple of moments as they continue to lose possession in forward areas. Valencia break down the other end with Jonas moments later, but another free kick is awarded when Postiga clashes with Vyntra inside the area. That has been the story of the first period thus far.
Oh referee, referee. The Spanish official just will not let the little challenges go unpunished as the stop-start period of the match continues. Both sides are attempting to break with pace and numbers, but neither has come close to opening the scoring after 35 minutes. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining at the Mestalla.
Another half-chance for the home side as Jonas finds some space outside the box before attempting to curl one into the bottom corner, but El Adoua is on hand to make the block. Postiga meets the resulting corner from Feghouli, but his effort is straight into the arms of Navas, who has had a comfortable first half at the Mestalla.
CHANCE! The best chance of the half falls to Valencia as Feghouli breaks onto a loose ball before striking one on the half-volley, but his effort just moves wide of the post. Navas just stood and watched. Finally a clear opportunity at the Mestalla.
GOAL! Valencia 1-0 Levante (Piatti)
Valencia take the lead in the latter stages of the first period as Piatti collects a loose header from Vyntra before smashing his low effort into the bottom corner. Wonderful finish from the midfielder.
Well, that has just settled everyone inside the stadium. In truth, Valencia are worth the lead. They have been the more progressive side in the final third, with Levante preferring to sit deep and counter. The away team will now be forced to come out in the second half, which should make for an entertaining second 45 minutes at the Mestalla.
HALF TIME: Valencia 1-0 Levante
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Valencia leading courtesy of that strike from Piatti in the latter stages of the half. Levante have had some positive moments on the counter, but have failed to test Diego Alves in the opening 45 minutes.
STATISTICS: Valencia have dominated the possession with 71%, while they have had nine attempts to Levante's three. However, just three of the home side's attempts have been on target. Just the one yellow card in the first half, meanwhile, although the referee has awarded 22 free kicks.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking options on their bench this evening with the likes of Banega, Pabon, Guardado and Fede all in reserve. Meanwhile, Levante have the likes of El Zhar, Angel and Xumetra in their 18-man squad at the Mestalla.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Just a reminder that following this match we have live text coverage of Almeria against Granada - be sure to remain with us for that. Right, the away side get the second 45 minutes underway in Valencia.
No changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise at this stage of proceedings. However, I suspect changes will be made if the score remains 1-0 for the next 20 minutes or so. Good possession for Valencia in the opening couple of minutes of the second period.
Half-chance for the home side as Postiga finds Barragan down the right, but there are no takers on his low cross into the box. You just get the feeling that Levante need to stay in the game for the next five minutes or so. Another home goal at this stage of proceedings could and probably would be enough to be collect all three points.
Half-chance for the home side as Feghouli finds some space outside the box before curling one towards the top corner, but Navas is on hand to make a fine save at the vital moment. Valencia called for a penalty moments later after a Jonas attempt seemed to strike an arm inside the area, but the referee was not interested. Still 1-0 Valencia after 53 minutes.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Valencia to score their second as Postiga meets a Jonas cross inside the box, but somehow the striker fires over from close range. Moments later, Levante make a double change with Rios and Ivanschitz being replaced by Xumetra and El Zhar. Little over 35 minutes of football remaining.
Valencia might be in control of the match, but at 1-0, Levante will feel confident of taking something from the Mestalla. You get the feeling that they will get chances in the latter stages. Still no movement on the home side's bench, but Banega would be the obvious candidate to provide some quality in the middle of the park, while Pabon's pace would certainly stretch the Levante defence.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with Valencia more than happy to keep possession in the middle of the park. Just a reminder that following this match we have action from Almeria against Granada - be sure to remain with us for that. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Barral as the Levante striker collects a poor back-pass from Barragan, but Alves manages to make a low safe to his left. Poor defending from Valencia, who have had problems in their back four this season. It remains 1-0 to the home side after 62 minutes.
Penalty shout for the home side as Jonas goes down in the box under a challenge from Ruben Garcia, but the referee is not interested. I have seen them given there is no question about that. Moments later, Mathieu is booked down the other end for a strong challenge on Barral. End-to-end football at the Mestalla.
Valencia continue to threaten with a series of deep crosses into the Levante box, but Navas manages to punch clear before Diop is on hand to clear under his own crossbar. You just get the feeling that another goal is coming. Surely Levante would not be able to recover from 2-0 down in this stadium.
Just a reminder that following this match we have action from Almeria against Granada - be sure to remain with us for that one. There have already been two La Liga results this afternoon with Atletico Madrid beating Malaga 1-0 and Real Betis drawing 0-0 at Real Valladolid. Right, little over 20 minutes of football remaining at the Mestalla, with Valencia in possession of the ball.
Desperate defending from Levante as they continue to clear their lines under aerial bombardment from the home side. El Adoua swings a right boot at a cross from Jonas, but luckily for Levante it does not fall to a white shirt. Valencia continue to retain possession with 71 minutes on the clock.
Half-chance for Levante this time as Diop finds some space on the edge of the box before attempting to curl one into the bottom corner, but Alves is on hand to make the save at the vital moment. Feghouli has an effort down the other end, but it curls just wide of the post.
Levante make their third and final change of the match as 19-year-old Camarasa comes on for his La Liga debut in place of Diop. Still no movement on the Valencia bench, who continue to force the issue. Little over 15 minutes for the away side to find something at the Mestalla.
GOAL! Valencia 2-0 Levante (Feghouli)
Valencia have their second after 73 minutes as Feghouli dances into the Levante box before clipping his effort into the top corner. Wonderful from the Algerian.
Valencia make their first change of the match as Piatti, who opened the scoring, is replaced by Guardado. The home side are not finished here as they continue to force the issue in the final third. Levante have simply been unable to cope in the second period.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with Valencia in control of the possession. Even at 1-0, Levante did not look capable of taking something from the match. Just a reminder that following this match we have live text coverage of Almeria against Granada.
Valencia make their second change of the match as Banega replaces Parejo, who has been impressive once more this evening. A deep cross from El Zhar threatens the home side moments later, but Mathieu is on hand to clear the danger. Little under 10 minutes of football remaining.
Another half-chance for the away side as Garcia collects possession outside the box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. As it stands, Valencia would move into eighth position in the table, while Levante would remain in 13th after 18 games.
The home side make their third and final change of the evening with the exciting Argentine youngster Fede replacing Postiga, who has had another frustrating evening at the Mestalla. Not too much to report in the last couple of moments as Valencia continue to keep possession in their own half. Levante have not really had a sustained period of pressure at any point this evening.
Another half-chance for the home side as Pabon finds Jonas inside the Levante box, but Vyntra is across to clear at the vital moment. Fede drives down the left moments later, but Lopez is across to clear the danger. Little over two minutes of normal time remaining at the Mestalla.
Worryingly, Levante are heading for their sixth league defeat in their last seven league matches. They struggle to score goals, while they have also had problems in defence. Have they got enough to stay up this season? Their performance this evening in the derby has been really poor. I shouldn't think that there will be too much time added at the end of the 90.
CHANCE! Half-chance for Jonas to make it 3-0 in the final minute of additional time, but the Brazilian's header just moves wide of the post at the vital moment.
FULL TIME: Valencia 2-0 Levante
So there we have it. Valencia move into eighth in the table following a 2-0 win over Levante. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for Almeria against Granada. Until then!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
