Almeria welcomed Levante to the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterraneos on Saturday looking to record their first three points of the season.
Both sides had a couple of opportunities in the first period, but it was Almeria that took the lead late in the half courtesy of a penalty from Verza.
The home side doubled their lead in the early stages of the second courtesy of a long-range strike from Suso, but a Nabil El Zhar penalty cut the deficit to 2-1 after Christian Fernandez had been sent off for Almeria.
Levante were level on the hour mark when Pape Diop struck an unstoppable volley from outside the box, but neither side could find a winner in the latter stages.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! Our first of three back-to-back La Liga live commentaries comes from the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterraneos as Almeria welcome Levante. It has been a difficult start to life in La Liga for Almeria, who have managed just two points from their first four points. Meanwhile, Levante have registered five points during the same period.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, it does not make good reading for Almeria. Of the last four matches, Levante have won three of them. The last time the two sides met was in February 2011, when Levante secured a 1-0 win, which was the same scoreline when they travelled to Almeria in September 2010.
Almeria secured their spot in La Liga for the new campaign after coming through the dreaded playoff system in the Segunda Division last season. They finished bottom of this division in the 2010-2011 season, but will be hopeful of a better display this time around. However, they have found life in La Liga difficult thus far.
They opened their campaign with a 3-2 home defeat to fellow newly-promoted outfit Villarreal, before picking up their first point of the season one week later away to Getafe. Another draw followed as they shared the points at home to Elche, but they were defeated 4-2 by Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid side last time out.
Levante, meanwhile, began their season in the worst possible fashion with a thumping 7-0 defeat against Barcelona. They recovered to secure a credible 0-0 draw at home to Sevilla, before picking up their first three points of the season with an impressive 2-1 win over Rayo Vallecano. Last weekend they played out a fairly uneventful goalless draw with Real Sociedad.
Goals have certainly been a problem in the early part of the campaign with just two scored in their first four games. They both came against Rayo Vallecano, which means they have failed to score in three of their last four games. That is in keeping with their struggles last season, where they found the back of the net on just 40 occasions, one of the worst records in the division.
After finishing sixth in the 2011-2012 campaign, Levante, who had returned to Spain's top flight in 2010, had been expected to push on last season. It didn't quite happen for the Valencia-based outfit, however, with the club having to settle for an 11th-place finish in Spain's top flight, but they were 10 points clear of the relegation zone.
TEAMS:
ALMERIA XI: Esteban; Nelson, Fernandez, Pellerano, Angel; Soriano, Verza, Tebar, Vidal; Suso, Rodri
LEVANTE XI: Navas; Lell, Navarro, Juanfran, Vyntra; Diop, Pinto, Xumetra, Rios; Ivanschitz, Diawara
So there we have it. No real surprises in the Almeria XI this afternoon with on-loan Liverpool forward Suso joining Rodri in attack. Meanwhile, there are also starts for Aleix Vidal and Marcos Tebar. Levante are without Pedro Lopez, Nabil El Zhar and Ruben Garcia through injury, but Pedro Rios and Baba Diawara are both handed starts.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Just about time for my pre-match prediction - neither side has been too impressive thus far, but I am backing Almeria to pick up their first win of the season on their home patch.
Just a reminder that Almeria have taken two points from their first four games of the season, while Levante have taken five points during the same period. This is the type of match that both managers will have earmarked for three points. Right, the away side get the action underway at the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterraneos on this warm evening in Spain.
Not a full house inside the stadium this early evening in Spain, but there is a strong atmosphere. A half-chance arrives immediately for the away side as Pinto finds some space down the right before cutting it back towards Diawara, but the striker is just crowded out at the vital moment. However, Almeria cannot keep possession as Suso runs into three defenders.
Just a reminder that there has already been a La Liga clash this afternoon, with Real Sociedad sharing the points with Malaga in a goalless draw. Let's hope that this one does not follow a similar pattern. A free kick for the home side allows Verza to deliver a deep cross into the box, but Lell is on hand to clear with a powerful header.
Good spell for the home side in the last couple of moments with Verza and Soriano starting to see more of the ball. The latter forces a corner from Navarro, but his delivery is straight into the arms of Navas. Suso strikes one from outside the box moments later, but his effort is high and wide of the target.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with both sides just attempting to find their way in the opposing third. Vidal takes matters into his own hands moments later as he slides a pass towards Suso, but Lell is across to clear. It must be said that the atmosphere inside the stadium is sensational this evening.
Another half-chance for Soriano as the Spaniard finds some space inside the Levante box before hooking a low effort towards the bottom corner, but Navas, who has been the busier of the two goalkeepers, is on hand to make the save. Not too much for the Levante supporters to get excited about with 10 minutes on the clock.
It is one-way traffic at the moment with Almeria in the driving seat on their own patch. Suso and Rodri are causing problems with their movement, but it is Soriano that has had a couple of opportunities from outside the box. It is the type of match that is in need of a goal to just open up the rigid approach from Levante.
Better from Levante in the last minute or two with Pedro Rios and Diop starting to have more of an influence in the middle of the park. Bright play from the latter presents a half-chance to Diawara, but he can only clip wide from close range, before Juanfran clears a Suso cross down the other end moments later.
Just a quick reminder that following this match we have action from the Spanish capital as Rayo Vallecano welcome Barcelona, who will attempt to make it five league wins on the bounce. Not too much to report in this one at the moment with the referee forced to intervene following a couple of late challenges from both sides. However, the atmosphere remains electric.
Diop continues to look the most likely for Levante as the powerful midfielder sweeps a deep cross into the box, but it was always too high for Ivanschitz, who has struggled to influence proceedings thus far. Rodri and Suso continue to combine to good effect down the other end, but neither side has really threatened to open the scoring with 20 minutes on the clock.
End-to-end football in the last couple of moments with Diop trying his luck outside the box for Levante, but it was always moving high and wide of the target. Verza tries a similar effort down the other end, but Navas is on hand to collect. Soriano's cross presents another opportunity to Rodri moments later, but again the Levante stopper is on hand to make the save.
CHANCE! It's brilliant work from Suso as the on-loan Liverpool midfielder finds some space outside the box before striking an effort towards goal, but Navas, who has had a busy few minutes, manages to push it wide. The ball was moving all over the place. Still goalless with 24 minutes on the clock.
Levante's best chance of the match comes to Diawara as the striker pounces on a loose save from Esteban, but his effort was always moving wide of the target. You have to worry about the away side's lack of goals this season. It has been an incredibly open fixture, but neither side has really done enough in the final third to deserve to be leading at this stage of the match.
Really untidy last couple of minutes with both sides guilty of losing possession too easily in the opposing third. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - then it will come from a mistake or a set piece. Little over 15 minutes remaining in this La Liga fixture, with the still score goalless.
Slight problem for Almeria defender Fernandez as the Spaniard picks up a head injury in a challenge with Rios, but he is fit to continue following a period of treatment. Neither side is really in control of the possession, but both continue to force the issue with a series of deep balls into the opposing box. Quiet couple of moments in terms of chances at the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterraneos.
The atmosphere has dropped inside the stadium, which is a reflection of events on the pitch. Almeria have enjoyed more of the possession in the last few moments, but they have found it difficult to get the likes of Suso and Rodri on the ball in the final third. Suso has a sniff of an opportunity moments later, but his low effort was always moving wide of Navas's post.
Juanfran attempts the spectacular as he meets a bouncing ball from outside the box, but his effort causes no problems for Esteban. Levante force the issue moments later with a couple of deep crosses into the Almeria box, but Fernandez - who is now wearing a bandage - clears the first, before Esteban comes to claim the second. Little under 10 minutes of the first period remaining.
CHANCE! The clearest opportunity of the match thus far comes to the away side as Diawara meets a fine pass from Diop before facing up to Esteban, but the Levante striker can only fire his effort straight at the goalkeeper. Joaquin Caparros cannot believe it on the sidelines. That really should have been the opener in this La Liga fixture.
Levante's strong spell continues as Diawara finds some space on the edge of the box before attempting to curl an effort towards the top corner, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Almeria just cannot influence the match at the moment with the away side forcing the issue in the latter stages of the first period.
It appears that La Liga is not keen on bringing goals at the moment with Real Sociedad playing out a goalless draw with Malaga earlier this afternoon. This one remains level as we approach the final couple of minutes in the first period, but it has been an end-to-end fixture thus far. Neither manager will be too concerned with what they have seen thus far.
Levante continue to impress in the latter stages of the half with Diawara's presence winning a free kick for the away side. However, Juanfran's delivery is straight into the arms of Esteban. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute at the end of the first period.
PENALTY TO ALMERIA!
The home side are awarded a penalty in the latter stages of the first period as Juanfran fells Suso inside the box. It was harsh, but he gave the referee a decision to make. Verza will have the chance to send his side into the lead.
GOAL! Almeria 1-0 Levante (Verza)
Almeria do indeed take the lead in first-half stoppage time as Verza strokes his penalty into the far corner. It is harsh on Levante, however, who had been much the better team in the final 15 minutes of the first period.
HALF TIME: Almeria 1-0 Levante (Verza)
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Almeria leading courtesy of that penalty from Verza. The home side certainly started the better, but Levante grew into the latter stages of the half. As it stands Almeria are heading for their first three points of the season.
STATISTICS: Levante have just shaded the possession with 53%, but both sides have made five attempts, two of which has been on target. A draw at the interval would have been a fair reflection of the opening 45 minutes, but a rash challenge from Juanfran has cost his side.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking personnel on the bench in the shape of Helder Barbosa, Rafita and Oscar Diaz. Meanwhile, Levante have the likes of El Zhar, David Barral and Javi Jimenez in reserve. I suspect changes will occur around the hour mark if the score remains the same.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Just a reminder that three points for Almeria would move them out of the relegation zone. No changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise. Right, the home side get the second period underway.
Excuse me, there has indeed been one change at the interval for the away side with El Zhar entering the field for Rios, who had been struggling with a slight knock in the latter stages of the first half. You just get the feeling that the next goal - if there indeed is one - could ultimately decide the final result this evening. Early booking for Verza, meanwhile, for his challenge on El Zhar.
Half-chance for Diop this time as the Levante midfielder finds some space outside the box, but his low effort is straight into the arms of the goalkeeper. Almeria are down the other end with Suso moments later, but the attacker cannot find the target after cutting inside Lell with a wonderful piece of skill. Good tempo in the early stages of the second period.
GOAL! Almeria 2-0 Levante (Suso)
Almeria double their lead in the early stages of the second period as Suso collects possession outside the box before thumping a powerful effort into the back of the net. He was given all sorts of space outside the box, but it was some strike.
Without sounding like a broken record, the Almeria supporters have been in wonderful voice this evening. There is no question that it has lifted their side, who were under pressure for long spells in the latter stages of the first period. Now, they are well on their way to their first three points of the season.
RED CARD and PENALTY! Almeria are reduced to 10 men as Fernandez picks up his second yellow card for a challenge on Diawara inside the box. Confusion as to what has actually happened, but Levante have the opportunity to reduce the deficit.
GOAL! Almeria 2-1 Levante (El Zhar)
El Zhar does indeed register for Levante as he strokes his effort into the bottom corner. Wow, what a start to the second period. It is very much game on with Almeria now forced to play the majority of the second half with 10 men.
It has turned into an extremely untidy match with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges from both sides. It would not be a surprise to see another red card arrive in the latter stages. Meanwhile, Almeria make a change as the skipper Soriano is replaced by Rafita.
Well, this match was quite uneventful until the latter stages of the first period. Since then we have had two penalties and a red card. Suddenly it is all one-way traffic with Levante forcing the issue with two corners in quick succession, but the home side manage to clear on each occasion.
GOAL! Almeria 2-2 Levante (Diop)
Oh my good grief. Levante level the scores on the hour mark as Diop thumps a stunning volley into the back of the net from outside the box. That is as good a goal as you will ever see. Incredible 15 minutes in the second period.
Hardly time to take a breath at the moment with the referee on hand to award a number of yellow cards as both sides continue to commit players forward on each attack. I would be astounded if we had seen the last of the goals this evening. As it stands, you would have to back Levante to claim all three points, which would be some turnaround.
End-to-end football in the last few moments with Verza coming close for the home side as he whips a deep cross into the box, but Navas manages to collect under pressure from Suso. Levante continue to force the issue with Diop pulling the strings in midfield, but his pass towards El Zhar was always asking too much from the former Liverpool winger.
Almeria have just managed to put their foot on the ball in the last minute or two, which has calmed the atmosphere inside the stadium. I would be astounded if we did not see at least one more goal with the way that these two sides are playing. Meanwhile, it appears that Levante are preparing to make their second change of the evening.
The change is indeed made for Levante as Diawara, who has been tremendous this evening, is replaced by Nong, who will provide fresh legs in the final third. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but there is still plenty of attacking intent from both sides. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining in what has been a stunning La Liga fixture.
Half-chance for the home side this time as Suso finds a pocket of space on the edge of the box before turning and finding the run of Rodri, but the striker is just denied at the final moment by a fine challenge from Juanfran. Pinto has a long-distance effort down the other end moments later, but it was always moving wide of the target.
On the face of it, a draw would not be the worst result for either of these two sides, but neither would accept a share of the spoils at this point. Almeria might have thought they were home and dry with a 2-0 lead, but now Levante fancy the three points with a man advantage. The home supporters, meanwhile, are doing their best to provide a stunning atmosphere.
CHANCE! Incredible opportunity for the home side to score their third on the counter as Rodri shows the Levante defence a clean pair of heels before attempting to find the bottom corner, but Navas is across to make a fine save. Moments later Almeria make another change with Oscar Diaz replacing Rodri.
Levante force their fifth corner of the match after good work from Pinto, but Xumetra's delivery hits the top of the crossbar before dropping behind for a goal kick. Almeria have a set piece down the other end moments later, but the free kick is played short, allowing Levante to close out the space inside the box.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments with both sides struggling to find space in the final third. Suso continues to look the most likely for Almeria as he beats two men before curling an effort towards the top corner, but it was always rising high and wide of the crossbar.
Levante look to their bench for the third and final time this evening as Barral enters the field in place of Ivanschitz. The away side have another half-chance as Pinto finds Diop just inside the box, but he can only roll his low effort wide of the post. Little over five minutes of football remaining.
Not too much for the home supporters to get excited about in the last couple of moments with Levante in control of the possession, but they have just started to sit back, seemingly prepared to accept a share of the spoils.
Barral's first real involvement arrives moments later as the Levante winger drives past two defenders before attempting to curl one towards the top corner, but it was always moving high of the crossbar. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional four minutes at the end of the match.
Half-chance for the home side as Rafita moves forward from defence before attempting to find the top corner, but Navas is on hand to make the save. Levante are down the other end moments later with Barral, but again his delivery is short of the required standard. Little over two minutes of additional time remaining.
You cannot help but think that Levante have missed a trick here. However, Almeria's wait for a league win will seemingly continue, unless they can find a winner in the final minute. Levante have possession inside the home side's half with little over 40 seconds to play.
FULL TIME: Almeria 2-2 Levante
So there we have it. Levante come from 2-0 behind to claim a 2-2 draw with Almeria. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for Rayo against Barcelona. Until then!
