Levante UD delivered a stunning 5-2 victory over Real Betis on Saturday at the Ciutat de València stadium. This La Liga EA Sports matchday 3 fixture saw the granotas, who started the day 17th with just one point, emphatically end their goal drought, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.
How did the first half unfold?
The opening period was a whirlwind of goals and mistakes, influenced by the heat and the pitch condition. Levante, who had failed to score in their first two matches of the season, opened the scoring in the 24th minute. Dela capitalized on a poorly defended corner involving Riquelme and Parrott. Betis, who dominated possession, equalized ten minutes later. Marc Bartra finished after a goalmouth scramble started by Parrott. After the 1-1, the visiting side had their best spell with an active Isco, but a terrible pass from Bellerín, aided by the pitch, led to Levante's second goal. E. Bardeli scored with a precise chip from distance in the 46th minute, just before halftime, which was extended due to a hydration break and VAR checks.
What happened after the break?
The Betis response was immediate. Riquelme made it 2-2 just four minutes after the restart. Soon after, Ryan made a key save against Antony to prevent Betis from taking the lead. The parity was short-lived. In the 56th minute, Roger Brugué, a forward under 1.75 meters tall, headed in another corner for 3-2. The knockout blow came in the 70th minute, when the same Brugué took advantage of a play by Iván Romero and a rebound off the post to score the fourth. Stunned, Betis could not react despite Manuel Pellegrini's substitutions. Olasagasti sealed the rout in stoppage time (95') for a definitive 5-2. The verdiblanca defense made repeated and serious errors throughout the match.
What is the context of this result?
This win is a vital boost for a Levante side facing the season with the aim of fighting against relegation. Before this match, the team was in 17th place in the standings, with just one point and a record of zero goals scored and three conceded. The victory allows them to close the gap, though they still sit six points behind leaders Alaves. The next test is on September 6th against Malaga, a direct rival in 16th place, a clash you can follow on our fixtures page.
Who were the key performers?
Roger Brugué was the undisputed hero with his brace. His ability to appear in the six-yard box proved decisive. For Betis, the negative standout was their defensive line, with Bartra and Natan struggling particularly against the movement of Iván Romero, a former Sevilla player. Referee Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea showed yellow cards to Pablo García and Jeremy Toljan. The match attracted 20,474 spectators to the Ciutat de València, who witnessed a granota attacking festival that completely changes the season's outlook. To check the squad's progress, visit our first-team page.
