Estadi Ciutat de València witnessed Sevilla FC grab just their second win in their last seven league matches with a 3-2 win over Levante, who now remain winless against ‘Los Nervionenses’ since April 2018.
Sitting on opposing ends of the La Liga table, both Levante and Sevilla took to the field with contrasting intentions, with the former battling for top-flight survival and the latter itching to retain their second position in the league. Despite a positive start from the hosts, it was Julen Lopetegui’s men who drew first blood in the 14th minute from what was an impressive team move on the right flank, as Lucas Ocampos handed new signing Jesús Corona his first goal for the club via a point-blank header.
Levante then profited off a handball in the penalty area midway through the half, which captain José Luis Morales struck an unstoppable shot into the bottom right corner to level scores with his third spot kick in three consecutive matches. The home side’s joy didn’t last long though as Corona doubled his tally just five minutes later with a sublime lob over shot-stopper Dani Cárdenas, with Ocampos once again playing a key part with the assist. The first period ended with both sides on par with each other, but Sevilla were undoubtedly the happier of two heading into the break.
The ‘Granotes’ started the stronger side once the match resumed, forcing visiting goalkeeper Bono into a handful of commendable saves as the hour mark dawned, the best of which was on the end of a low drive by Gonzalo Melero from the right. ‘Los Nervionenses’ defender Marcos Acuña handed away a cheap penalty in the 71st minute and Morales once again stepped up with the intention to grab an equaliser, but saw his penalty kick go just wide of Bono’s right post.
The game was put to bed 10 minutes before FT, thanks to Jules Koundé’s exceptional header from a corner delivery, condemning Levante conceding their 65th league goal. Roberto Soldado grabbed a late goal back for the hosts but it proved to be nothing but a consolation goal.
With a league-low of five wins to their name this campaign, the ‘Granotes’ are in line for imminent relegation to the second-tier. Whereas Sevilla reinforce their claim for a second spot in the league, despite having played two games more than fourth-placed Barcelona.
