Levante UD suffered another La Liga EA Sports defeat, losing 3-1 away to Villarreal. The match, from the seventh round of fixtures, was played at the Estadio de la Cerámica under clear skies and 27-degree heat.
The home side's goals came at key moments. Ayoze Pérez opened the scoring in the 41st minute, but Iván Romero equalised for Levante just a minute later in a swift response that buoyed the travelling support. The joy was short-lived, as Alberto Moleiro put Villarreal back ahead in the 54th minute. Georges Mikautadze, with a brace, sealed the game in the 86th minute after receiving a pass from Moleiro.
Yellow dominance
The statistics reflect the local team's superiority. Villarreal completed 547 passes and had 21 shots, with seven of those on target. Levante, meanwhile, generated just five chances, with three on target, and had only 42% possession in the second half. The granota side, who started in a 4-3-3, could not contain the offensive impetus of a Villarreal team that played in a 4-4-2.
This defeat leaves Levante in a difficult position in the standings. The Valencian club sits 17th with just five points, from one win, two draws and three losses in their first six games. Their recent form is LLDWD, meaning they have lost their last two matches. Villarreal, on the other hand, moves up to ninth place with eight points.
Levante's coaching staff had to face the match with several key absences. Hugo Sotelo, Etta Eyong and A. Primo were not available for the fixture.
Levante UD's next fixture is at home to Sevilla on October 12th. The Andalusian side currently sits fifth in the table, presenting another high-calibre challenge. The squad will have time to work during the international break ahead of that match. Striker Brugui, the team's top scorer this season with three goals, will be a key piece in the search for a reaction.
Background and full detail: La Vanguardia Deportes
