Levante UD face their trip to Villarreal this Sunday aiming to break a negative streak that dates back to 2011. The granota team have not won at the Estadio de la Cerámica for fifteen years, a hoodoo they intend to end to secure their second away win of the season.
Luís Castro's side arrive at the match following the postponement of their fixture against Athletic Club due to weather conditions. This break leaves Levante with one game in hand over most of their rivals, sitting 16th in La Liga with five points from five matches. Their last result was a 4-2 defeat to Barcelona, a game in which Iván Romero and Roger Brugué scored for Levante. The team has taken just one point from the last nine available in the competition.
Luís Castro has stated the team will look to break its recent poor run at La Cerámica and add a victory that allows them to maintain a positive moment. The manager has set a target of reaching 15 points over the next 10 matchdays, a goal that begins this Sunday. For this clash, the manager will be without Hugo Sotelo, Álex Primo and Etta Eyong, the latter on the club's injuries list. The probable Levante lineup would feature Ryan; Nacho Pérez, Dela, Mandi, Manu Sánchez; Oriol Rey, Olasagasti, Bardeli, Thiago Fernández, Brugué; and Iván Romero.
Meanwhile, Íñigo Pérez's Villarreal arrive after breaking a negative run of four consecutive defeats in the league and Champions League with a 1-3 win over Málaga. The Yellow Submarine also have five points, but have played one more game than Levante. The home side has scored at least one goal in each of their last five official matches, showing clear attacking strength. The last meeting between the two, a pre-season friendly on August 5th, ended in a 1-0 home win.
A victory at La Cerámica would be a huge morale boost for a Levante side needing points to distance themselves from the relegation places. A win would allow the granota team to leapfrog their direct rival in the table, as Villarreal currently occupy 15th position. Fans can check the updated standings after the seventh matchday. The game will be played this Sunday at 18:30 hours at the Estadio de la Cerámica.
Background and full detail: Plaza Deportiva
