Levante kick off pre-season with win over Leganés

Levante started their pre-season preparations on the right foot, beating Leganés 2-1 in a closed-door friendly at Buñol’s training ground. The Valencians, who ended last season in eighth place with zero points this term, dominated possession but struggled for rhythm due to limited training sessions. The match sent a clear message: Luís Castro’s side is hungry and ambitious.

A scrappy affair with a clear message

The game opened with a strike from Carlos Espí in the first minute, following a team move that tore through Leganés’ defense. Levante, who have scored zero goals and conceded none this season, controlled the ball but rarely threatened. Leganés, managed by Rubén Albés, responded in the second half with more intensity, and Robert López equalized in the 81st minute after a defensive error from the Valencians.

Bardellí’s debut and Krug’s late winner

The break saw almost wholesale changes on both sides. Among Levante’s debutants was Enzo Bardellí, who replaced Edgar Alcañiz and showed glimpses of quality. Leganés pressed higher in the second half and nearly equalized, but it was Levante who sealed the win in the 91st minute. Martín Krug, introduced at halftime, pounced on a corner to beat Raúl Fernández and make it 2-1. The granotas held firm and secured all three points in their first pre-season outing.

What’s next for Levante?

Levante now face two intense weeks of training before their next official fixture: a clash with Barcelona on February 21, 2027, when the granotas will sit sixth in the table. With just one friendly played and zero goals conceded so far, Levante are focused on building momentum ahead of the new campaign. Despite errors, the pre-season outing left a positive impression: the team showed character and the ability to fight back from tough situations.