Real Sociedad travelled to Levante in La Liga on Saturday looking for just their second league win of the season.
Neither side could open the scoring in what was a fairly low-key first 45 minutes between the two Spanish rivals.
Levante improved in the second period, but neither could make the breakthrough as the two sides shared the points in a goalless draw.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! The first of our three back-to-back live commentaries from La Liga comes from Valencia as Levante welcome Real Sociedad. Both sides have made encouraging starts to the season with four points from their opening three matches, but Levante enter the match off the back of an impressive win over Rayo Vallecano last time out.
TEAMS:
LEVANTE XI: Navas; Navarro, Juanfran, Vyntra, Rodas; El Adoua, Diop, Pinto, Xumetra; Rios, Barral
REAL SOCIEDAD XI: Bravo; Mikel, Estrada, Martinez, De la Bella; Prieto, Granero, Elustondo, Zurutuza; Griezmann, Vela
So there we have it. No real surprises in the Levante XI this afternoon with David Barral once more leading the line. Pedro Rios also starts in attack, but Simao Junior is named on the bench. Sociedad, meanwhile, have Carlos Vela and Antoine Griezmann in the final third, while on-loan Queens Park Rangers midfielder Esteban Granero also starts in midfield.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Levante have enjoyed the best of it with three wins from the last five, with the other two ending in a draw. As mentioned, Levante were 2-1 winners in the corresponding match last season, but they also took a point when they travelled to Sociedad in February.
To suggest that Levante did not make the best start to the league season would be putting it mildly as they were thumped 7-0 by Barcelona at the Camp Nou. However, they responded one week later with a credible 0-0 draw at home to Sevilla. That said, a total of two league games without a goal would certainly have been a concern to the club.
They picked up their first three points of the season last time out, however, with a 2-1 win away at Rayo Vallecano. It does appear that goals will again be a problem this season – in the previous campaign they managed just 40 strikes in their 38 league matches, which was one of the worst records in the division.
Sociedad, meanwhile, began their season with a comfortable 2-0 win over Getafe, before picking up a 1-1 draw at newly-promoted Elche on August 24. They suffered disappointment last time out, however, as they were beaten at home by Atletico Madrid, who finished one spot above them in third position last season.
It will certainly be interesting to see how Sociedad cope with the rigours of Champions League football this season after booking their spot in the group stages of the competition with a 4-0 aggregate win over Lyon last month. The top three in Spain looks nailed on, but fourth position is very much up for grabs in the new campaign.
Of course, Sociedad are under new management this season with Jagoba Arrasate replacing Philippe Montanier at the end of the season. They managed to keep the bulk of their squad together in the summer aside from the sale of Asier Illarramendi to Real Madrid and will therefore be confident of another impressive season in the top flight.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. There has already been one La Liga fixture this afternoon with Atletico Madrid continuing their perfect start to the season with a 4-2 win over Almeria. As soon as the pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged, we will be ready to get the action underway.
Just a reminder of the main team news this evening. Barral will lead the line for the home side with support from Rios, while there are also starts for Sergio Pinto and Pape Diop. Sociedad, meanwhile, pair Vela and Griezmann in attack once more. Right, the away side get the action underway on this warm evening in Valencia.
You just get the feeling that the first goal this evening - if there indeed is one - will be crucial in this type of match. It has been a confident start from Sociedad, with the likes of Granero and Elustondo seeing plenty of the ball. An early problem arrives for Juanfran as the Levante defender is caught in the face, but the Spaniard returns to his feet without seeking treatment.
Far from a full house inside the stadium this evening, which is disappointing, but there is a good atmosphere. There has not been much for the home supporters to cheer thus far, however, with the away side enjoying the majority of the ball. A free kick arrives for Sociedad as Rodas fells Zurutuza, but Granero's delivery is into the arms of Navas.
Another free kick from Granero causes problems in the Levante box as Vela threatens to flick into the far corner, but the home side manage to clear at the vital moment. Levante look forward with Barral moments later, but the Spaniard cannot collect under pressure from Dani Estrada. Still no real chances for either side with six minutes on the clock in Valencia.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges from the home side. This time the Sociedad free kick is taken by Elustondo, but his effort strikes the wall. Levante attempt to break with Rios, but once more the attack breaks down in the final third.
Better from the home side in the last couple of moments with the likes of Diop and Pinto enjoying plenty of the ball in the middle of the park. A half-chance arrives for Barral as the Spaniard meets a cross from the latter, but he can only plant his header wide of the post. That is just about as close as either has come to opening the scoring thus far.
We have not seen much from the likes of Griezmann and Vela in the opening 13 minutes, but the latter's first involvement almost brings a chance as the Mexican plays in Granero, but the Spaniard loses his footing at the vital moment, allowing Juanfran across to make the clearance. Plenty of attacking intent, but both sides have struggled to find that elusive pass in the final third.
Better from the home side in the last couple of moments with the likes of Diop and Pinto enjoying plenty of the ball in the middle of the park. A half-chance arrives for Barral as the Spaniard meets a cross from the latter, but he can only plant his header wide of the post. That is just about as close as either has come to opening the scoring thus far.
We have not seen much from the likes of Griezmann and Vela in the opening 13 minutes, but the latter's first involvement almost brings a chance as the Mexican plays in Granero, but the Spaniard loses his footing at the vital moment, allowing Juanfran across to make the clearance. Plenty of attacking intent, but both sides have struggled to find that elusive pass in the final third.
Another half-chance for the home side as Barral collects possession in a wide area before finding the head of Rios inside the box, but his header is straight into the arms of Bravo. Vela is involved down the other end moments later, but the referee is not interested despite the Mexican falling to the ground just outside the penalty area.
Half-chance for Sociedad this time as Granero combines with Vela before attempting to curl an effort towards the top corner, but it was always moving wide of the post. The home supporters have certainly found their voice in the meantime, which has given the Levante players that extra yard. Still goalless with 17 minutes on the clock in Valencia.
First real sign of Griezmann as an attacking threat as the Frenchman collects possession outside the box before driving inside and firing an effort towards the bottom corner, but Vyntra is across to make the block. The resulting corner is delivered right under the crossbar, but Navas manages to clear under pressure from Inigo Martinez, who made the trip forward from defence.
Another half-chance for the away side as Vela finds a little pocket of space inside the box before delivering a cross towards Griezmann, but Navas is out to make the clearance. End-to-end football with both sides committing players to each attack, but neither has really threatened to open the scoring with 22 minutes on the clock.
Just a reminder - as if you could forget - that following this match we have action from Barcelona against Sevilla, before Gareth Bale's eagerly-anticipated debut will arrive in Real Madrid's trip to Villarreal in the 9pm start. Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with both sides exchanging periods with possession. It is lacking that bit of spark.
Griezmann is again involved for the away side as he collects possession outside the box before trying his luck, but it was always rising high and wide of the crossbar. His strike partner Vela takes matters into his own hands with a darting run in the next attack, but he can only clip his effort high and wide. That has been the story of the match thus far. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining in Valencia.
Pinto tries his luck for the home side as he combines with Rios before striking an effort towards goal, but his face says it all as he fires it high and wide of the crossbar. Sociedad are down the other end moments later with Griezmann, but the Frenchman is crowded out at the vital moment. Still goalless with 29 minutes on the clock, but Sociedad have just about shaded the possession.
One-way traffic at the moment with Sociedad attempting to work the ball into the Levante box, but they have been unable to find that elusive pass in the final third. De La Bella has a half-chance as he drives into the opposing area, but he can only turn his effort into the side netting. Meanwhile, not too much for the home supporters to get excited about.
Good pressure from Levante in the last couple of moments as they force two corners in quick succession. The first one causes concern in the Sociedad box, but Martinez manages to clear at the vital moment. The away side attempt to break with Granero, but his pass is too long for Vela, who had broken the offside trap.
Unfortunately, this has not been a classic as we approach the latter stages of the first period. You could forgive the lack of chances, but both sides have been sloppy in possession. It is the type of match that really needs a goal in order to open it up. Little under 10 minutes of the first period remaining in Valencia.
It's good work from Pinto as the Portuguese bursts into the Sociedad box before lifting a cross towards the far post, but Estrada is across to make the challenge. Vela has possession down the other end moments later, but he is chopped down by Vyntra, who picks up a yellow card for his troubles. Vela's pace is certainly a concern to the home side's back four there is no question about that.
Plenty of arm waving from both managers on the touchline, but neither has been able to get their team going thus far. There has been no real chances for either side, with a couple of long-range efforts about as close as we have come. Just a reminder that both of these teams are on four points after three games of the new season.
Again it's really bright work from Pinto as the Portuguese drives past two challenges before floating a cross into the box, but Bravo is on hand to punch clear. It is picked up by Diop, who thumps a volley towards goal, but it is comfortable for the Sociedad goalkeeper. Little over two minutes of the first period remaining in Valencia.
Good end to the opening 45 minutes for Sociedad with Griezmann and Vela both having efforts from distance, but neither threatens to open the scoring. I shouldn't think the referee will add too much time at the end of the half. The first period has passed by without major incident. A goalless draw is a fair reflection of what we have seen thus far.
HALF TIME: Levante 0-0 Real Sociedad
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the scores level at 0-0. Levante started the better, but neither has done enough to deserve to lead at this stage of proceedings. Unfortunately, there has not been a clear opportunity for either side thus far. Let's hope that the standard improves in the second period.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking options on the bench in the shape of Baba Diawara, Javi Jimenez and Simao Junior. Meanwhile, Sociedad have the likes of Ruben Pardo, Chorey Castro and Seferovic in reserve. I suspect that we will see changes as the second period gathers pace.
STATISTICS: Sociedad have dominated the possession with 61% of the ball, but they have not managed a single attempt, while Levante have registered four efforts. It has not been a particularly dirty match, with just the one yellow card awarded to Vyntra for a late challenge on Vela in the Levante half.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. There have been no changes for either side, which is not much of a surprise at this stage of proceedings. It is the type of match where one goal could be enough to pick up all three points. Right, the home side get the second 45 minutes underway.
Excuse me, there has indeed been two changes for the home side at the interval with Diawara and Ivanschitz entering the field in place of Barral and Adoua. The first half-chance of the second period arrives for Sociedad as Prieto drives a low cross into the box, but the Spaniard cannot find the run of Vela at the far post.
CHANCE! The best opportunity of the match arrives for the home side as Diawara moves past the challenge of Estrada before advancing into the Sociedad box, but Bravo is out to make the save at the vital moment. That should have been the opening goal of the evening. Bravo needs a period of treatment following the clash with the striker.
The attendance has been confirmed at little over 14,000 this evening, which is disappointing from the home side's perspective. It has been a strong start to the second period from Sociedad, with the likes of Granero and Prieto starting to see more of the ball. However, clear chances remain few and far between in Valencia.
Half-chance for Vela this time as the Mexican collects possession outside the box before attempting to feed a low effort into the bottom corner, but Navas was always equal to the danger. Meanwhile, the referee has been forced into action to deal with a couple of wild challenges from the home side, who are struggling to get into the match in the early stages of the second period.
It is a surprise that we have had just the one player booked this evening with the challenges continuing to fly in from both sides. It has been better from Levante in the last couple of moments, with their two changes at the interval providing them with a bigger threat in the final third. Little under 35 minutes of football remaining in Valencia, still goalless.
CHANCE! Another wonderful opportunity for Baba to open the scoring as the Levante striker beats the offside trap before collecting a pass from Pinto, but once again he finds Pinto in fine form. Sociedad may be in charge of the possession, but Levante have had the game's two best chances. It is so delicately poised with 58 minutes on the clock.
Another opportunity for Levante to open the scoring as Pinto stands over a free kick outside the box, but he gets it horribly wrong as he plants his effort straight into the wall. A corner does follow, but once more the danger is cleared, before Vela leads a counter attack for Sociedad. Still goalless with little under 30 minutes of football remaining.
Diawara has another half-chance for the home side as he appears to beat the offside trap, but the linesman ends the attack when he raises his flag at the final moment. Sociedad once more attempt to break moments later, but there is just no fluidity in the final third. Both Griezmann and Vela have been disappointing thus far, but there is plenty of time for that to change.
Rodas becomes the latest player to enter the book for a really poor challenge on Vela in a wide position. The resulting free kick is delivered into the area by Prieto, but Juanfran rises to clear under pressure from Martinez. Meanwhile, it appears that the away side are preparing to make their first change of the evening. Levante have already made two changes, both at the interval.
Indeed, Sociedad do look to their bench with Seferovic entering the field in place of Griezmann, who has been really disappointing this evening. This is usually the type of match where he would thrive. Despite the lack of clear chances, I would be surprised if we did not see a goal in this one. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining in Valencia.
CHANCE! Oh my good grief how have Sociedad not scored?! A couple of golden chances in quick succession for the away side as Prieto collects a loose ball inside the box, but he can only hit the post. It falls to Vela, but he takes a fresh-air shot. The chances are starting to arrive as we near the latter stages of the second period.
Another half-chance for the away side as Prieto collects possession outside the box before striking an effort on goal, but Navas is on hand to make the save. Just a reminder that Sociedad have two changes remaining if they should wish to alter proceedings. Levante continue to commit players to each attack, but there are some tired legs on display there is no question about that.
Half-chance for the home side this time as a long throw into the Sociedad box causes all sorts of problems, but Bravo does manage to collect despite Diawara throwing a leg at the ball. Sociedad once more attempt to break down the other end with Vela, but the Mexican is quickly crowded out. Little over 15 minutes of football remaining with the scores still level at 0-0.
CHANCE! Another opportunity for Diawara to open the scoring as he meets a low cross from Pinto, but he can only fire his effort straight into the arms of Bravo. It would be no exaggeration to say that he could have scored three times since entering at the interval. Sociedad are living dangerously here there is no question about that.
Slight problem for Diawara as the Levante striker clashes with Bravo. Levante look to their bench for the third and final time as a result moments later as Nong replaces the injured striker. Still two changes remaining for the away side if they wish to alter proceedings. A free kick for Sergio Pinto threatens Sociedad moments later, but his effort is just wide of the post.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments with both sides guilty of giving away a number of free kicks in the opposing half. The latest, which is a really poor challenge from Mikel on Nong, gains the Sociedad defender a yellow card for his troubles. Could a free kick be the key to opening the door as we approach the final five minutes?
CROSSBAR! Wonderful effort from Diop as the Levante midfielder stands over a free kick in a wide area, but he can only thump his effort against the crossbar. What a moment that would have been for the midfielder. Will we have a goal in the final five minutes of action? One-way traffic with Levante in control.
Better from Sociedad in the last couple of moments with the likes of Granero and Prieto seeing more of the ball, but they are still struggling to find that elusive pass in the final third. Levante have possession moments later through Diop, but he cannot find Nong, who has been lively since entering in the second period.
Sociedad look to their bench for the second time this evening as Castro enters the field for Vela, who is another that has faded in and out this evening. You just get the feeling that there will be one more big chance left in this one. Both sides are offering their own threats in the opposing half. Little over one minute of normal time remaining.
Sociedad look to their bench for the third and final time this evening as Ruben Pardo enters the field in place of Granero. It is Levante that are in control of the possession as we enter the first of the three additional minutes.
Sociedad just cannot get hold of the ball at the moment with Levante continuing to force the issue with a number of free kicks. Twice in the space of one minute Diop delivers dangerous crosses into the box, but Sociedad manage to clear the danger.
FULL TIME: Levante 0-0 Real Sociedad
So there we have it. The referee brings the match to an end with the two sides sharing the points in a 0-0 draw. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for Barcelona against Sevilla. Until then!
