Levante welcomed Sevilla to the Estadio Ciudad de Valencia on Saturday looking to end a run of six matches without a league victory.
Both sides had chances in an eventful first period, but it was Levante that took the lead after 40 minutes courtesy of a fine strike from Ruben Garcia.
Sevilla pushed for the equaliser in the second half, but they just could not make the breakthrough as Levante held on for all three points.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our final live La Liga commentary of the evening comes from Valencia as Levante welcome Sevilla. The home side did appear to be in the hunt for Europe at the turn of the year, but a run of six matches without a win has left them in 11th position, some 10 points off the top four with 10 matches remaining.
Sevilla, meanwhile, have been much-improved since the turn of the year, but it is hard to be positive about their position in midtable. They have enjoyed success at home this season, but they have the third-worst away record in the division having won just one of their 14 matches, losing nine times in the process.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Sevilla have just shaded it with two wins from the last five matches. However, there has not been much between the pair in recent matches with each of the last two clashes ending in draws. The league table also suggests that we have two well-matched sides on display this evening.
TEAMS:
LEVANTE: Munua; Lell, Navarro, Juanfran, Vyntra; Diop, Iborra, Rios, Michel; Garcia, Acquafresca
SEVILLA: Beto; Maduro, Navarro, Fazio, Moreno; Reyes, Coke, Rakitic, Kondogbia, Navas; Negredo
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. Just a quick word on the main team news. Ruben Garcia and Acquafresca both start in attack for Levante, but there is no place for Roger Marti. Meanwhile, Sevilla boss Unai Emery names Maduro in place of Gary Medel. The home side get the match underway.
Not a full house inside the stadium this evening, but there is a strong atmosphere. It just has not happened for the home side in recent weeks, but they will be confident of picking up something against a Sevilla side that is poor on its travels. Bright start from Sevilla as Reyes finds Negredo in the box, but his effort is straight at Munua.
Not the best of passes from Fazio as the Sevilla defender attempts to find Beto, but Ruben Garcia is quickly on the scene. Luckily for Fazio, his goalkeeper is able to clear the danger. Vyntra receives the first booking of the match down the other end for a really poor challenge on Reyes.
Half-chance for the away side as Negredo meets a cross from Reyes, but his effort is straight at the goalkeeper once more. Two clear openings for Sevilla inside the opening six minutes of football. It must be said that both set of supporters are creating a wonderful atmosphere in this stadium. There is a real party atmosphere.
End-to-end football in the early stages of this match as Navas whips another dangerous cross into the Levante box, but Navarro is on hand to clear the danger. Almost immediately the home side are on the counter down the other end with Lell, but he can only fire wide from outside the box. Non-stop tempo thus far.
Another half-chance comes to the home side as Pedro Rios fires an inviting cross into the penalty area, but Acquafresca just cannot make contact at the final moment. It could be 2-2 in the opening 10 minutes of this match. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - will be vital in this type of match.
Half-chance for the home side as Rios spots the opposing goalkeeper off his line before attempting to chip an effort beyond Beto, but it just moves high of the post. Negredo threatens down the other end with a low cross towards Navas, but the Spaniard can only turn wide of the post.
No sign of any international hangovers from either of these two sides as the chances continue to fall. Navas is once more the threat as he weaves into the penalty area before finding Negredo, but Lell is across to quell the danger. Levante's threat in behind has certainly been lost, however, following the departure of Obafemi Martins to the MLS last month. That was a real blow to the team at this stage of the season.
Again it's good work from Michel as the Levante midfielder threads a pass towards Garcia, but Fazio is out to clear at the vital moment. The end-to-end period of the match continues as Navas strikes an effort from distance, but Munua was always comfortable in gathering the danger. The score remains goalless with 16 minutes on the clock.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with the referee called into action to deal with a number of challenges. The atmosphere really is aiding the tempo of this match. Both teams have offered plenty in the final third, but Sevilla have had the best chances thus far.
Half-chance for the home side once more as Navarro meets a corner from Michel, but Beto just manages to palm clear at the vital moment. It drops straight at the feet of Rios, but Coke is quickly on the scene to clear the danger. No signs of the tempo dropping as the first period approaches the midway point. Enthralling 20 minutes of Spanish action thus far.
First real sign of Rakitic as the Sevilla midfielder bursts through the Levante midfield before combining with Negredo, but Juanfran steps across to make the clearance. Acquafresca comes close down the other end as he meets a cross from Garcia, but Beto is on hand to make the save. How is this match still goalless?!
Usually one side would have taken control of the match at this stage of proceedings, but that is simply not the case this evening. If either team found the back of the net, then you could not say that it was against the run of play. Another free kick is whipped into the Levante area by Reyes, but the powerful Navarro rises highest to head clear. Still no goals, but plenty of attacking action.
It's a real waste from the home side as Iborra counters with three teammates, but his final pass is poor and the attack breaks down. There is no question that they miss Martins in those type of situations. Not too much from Sevilla in the last few moments with Levante enjoying more of the ball.
Good possession from the away side in the last couple of moments with Kondogbia and Rakitic enjoying more of the ball, but they have not really threatened Levante since the early stages. Levante create a half-chance down the other end via a free kick from Michel, but Juanfran can only head over the crossbar.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of poor passing in the opposing half. Meanwhile, the officials have been called into action on a number of occasions. Fazio has a sighter in the Levante box, but his effort is blocked by Navarro.
Rios wants a free kick as the Spaniard evades two challenges before darting beyond Fazio, but the referee is not interested in awarding a free kick to the home side. Little over 10 minutes of football remaining in the first period, with the scores level at 0-0. However, there has been plenty of attacking pressure from both teams.
It's good work from Navas once more as the Spaniard drives down the left before combining with Negredo, but once more the final pass is just too long. That has been Sevilla's problem this season, plenty of nice football in the middle third, but no real killer touch where it matters. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining.
Good pressure from the home side in the past few moments as they force two corners in quick succession, but the first is palmed over by Beto before Navarro heads the latter over the crossbar. A reminder that there is just one spot separating these two sides in the table, which is reflected by the opening 38 minutes.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last few moments with neither side able to find that elusive pass in the final third. The tempo remains, however, with each prepared to commit numbers to each attack. Navas remains the threat for the away side, but Reyes has just been isolated for the last 10 minutes or so.
GOAL! Levante 1-0 Sevilla (Garcia)
Good grief that is some strike! Wonderful effort from Ruben Garcia as the Spaniard dances past three defenders outside the box before finding the top corner. We have waited 40 minutes for the opening goal this evening, but my word was it worth the wait.
Levante's problems finding the back of the net have been well-documented in recent weeks, but that is some way to open the scoring. Sevilla attempt to respond down the other end with a header from Negredo, but his header is just wide of the post. That has been the difference.
Sevilla again force the issue down the right as Coke advances forward before firing a low cross towards Kondogbia, but the midfielder is immediately surrounded by two defenders. Meanwhile, the fourth official has indicated that we will play an additional one minute at the end of the half.
HALF-TIME: Levante 1-0 Sevilla
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Levante leading 1-0 courtesy of that thunderbolt from Garcia. Both sides have had chances, but Sevilla will feel that they should have taken the lead with chances in the opening 10 minutes. It has been an enthralling 45 minutes of football thus far.
STATISTICS: The away side have dominated the possession with 65%, but both sides have had six attempts, with three apiece on target. As it stands, Levante would move above Sevilla into 10th position in the table. But there is still a lot of football to be played.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a host of attacking options on the bench in the shape of Navas, Juanlu and Roger Marti. Meanwhile, Sevilla have the likes of Manu del Moral, Diawara and Cicinho in reserve. There are certainly goals in that list of players.
Let me bring you up-to-date with the events in La Liga from today. Malaga were 3-1 winners over Rayo Vallecano in the early start before Celta Vigo scored late on in a 2-2 draw with Barcelona. Real Madrid also had to settle for a point in a 1-1 draw with Real Zaragoza, who remain in relegation trouble despite the result.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. No changes for either side at the interval which is not too surprising at this stage of events. You just get the feeling that the next goal could decide the outcome of this match. Right, the away side get the half underway.
Confident start to the second period from the away side as Navas immediately takes control of the possession before combining with Negredo, but his resulting cross is straight into the arms of Munua, who immediately looks for the run of Garcia. Let's hope that this half lives up to the standard set in the first.
Levante's first attack of the second period is crafted by Lell as the German fires a cross towards Garcia, but Negredo is back doing his defensive work, with the referee awarding a free kick for the challenge. Meanwhile, this is just about as loud as I have heard this stadium this season, certainly since the turn of the year.
Good pressure from the home side once more as Garcia fires a cross towards Acquafresca, but Fazio comes across to clear the danger. The resulting corner is met by Vyntra, but his header is high and wide of the crossbar. Another goal for Levante and it would be a long way back a side that has won just once on their travels this season.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of a couple of poor challenges. Negredo gets away with one as he dives into a tackle with Navarro, but the referee takes no action. In fairness, it has not been that type of match despite the intensity and tempo. Just about 35 minutes of football remaining in Valencia.
Another half-chance for the away side as Navas collects possession in a wide area before feeding a low cross towards Rakitic, but once more Juanfran is across to clear the danger. Levante attempt to break down the other end with Garcia, but the attack is quelled by Fazio. End-to-end football as the second period gathers pace.
Sevilla make their first change of the match as Kondogbia is replaced by Baba. Midfielder off, striker on. Clear sign of Unai Emery's intentions in the final 30 minutes or so. There are goals in this I don't think there is any question about that. However, the next goal really is all-important at this stage of proceedings.
Sevilla have just started to take control of proceedings in the last few moments, but they have not been able to breach this stern Levante defence. Negredo's movement creates space in the area for Baba, but his effort is deflected wide of the post. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining in Valencia.
Sevilla come close through Moreno as the Spaniard rises highest in the penalty area, but his header is saved by Munua. However, the whistle had already been blown for a foul in the build-up. Levante immediately launch an attack down the other end with Michel, but his pass towards Iborra is just too long. This tie is just so delicately poised as the minutes continue to tick on.
Another half-chance for the home side as Navarro is first to react in a crowded penalty area, but he can only poke his effort wide of the post under pressure from Negredo. Still no movement on the Levante bench, although I suspect that will change in the next five minutes or so. Just the one goal separates the two sides.
Negredo attempts the spectacular as he collects a bouncing ball outside the penalty area before turning and shooting in one movement, but it was always moving high of the crossbar. We have not seen much from the likes of Navas and Reyes in the second period, despite the match opening up. Time is not on Sevilla's side as the final 20 minutes fast approach.
Levante cannot escape from their own penalty area at the moment as Sevilla continue to force the issue with a number of corners, but the impressive Navarro comes to the rescue once more with two blocks in quick succession. Finally the home side are able to break, but Garcia can only run it straight out of play.
Sevilla once more threaten in a wide position as Negredo works the ball from right to left before finding Navas in the box, the Spaniard wants a penalty as he falls to the ground under the challenge of Juanfran, but the referee is not interested. He was clutching at straws there. Little under 20 minutes of football remaining.
Sevilla make their second change of the match as Coke is replaced by Cicinho, who will certainly provide an attacking threat from the right-hand side. Almost a back three for the away side at the moment with Moreno and Cicinho playing in forward areas. Little over 15 minutes of football remaining.
Negredo eventually has his name taken by the referee as the Spaniard dives into a challenge with Juanfran. I wonder whether we will end the match with all 22 players on the pitch. There are a number of players on yellow cards with a lot of football to be played. Meanwhile, another penalty appeal, this time for Levante, is turned down by the referee.
Real chance for the away side as Rios fells Moreno on the edge of the penalty area. The resulting free kick is taken by Rakitic, but his effort is palmed clear by Munua, before Juanfran does the rest. That is just about as close as Sevilla have come in the second period. Little over 10 minutes of football remaining.
Half-chance for the home side this time as Garcia takes possession from Fazio before advancing on goal, but the Spaniard is just forced wide at the final moment. Meanwhile, the home side make their first change of the match as Michel is replaced by Juanlu. Will we have late drama in Valencia?
End-to-end football in the last few moments with both sides prepared to commit players to each attack. Another chance comes to Garcia, but his effort is blocked by Beto. The Sevilla goalkeeper immediately finds Reyes down the other end, but his low cross is gathered by Munua. Hardly time to take a breath as these two sides share attacks.
CHANCE! Oh my good grief how has he missed? Stunning opportunity for Negredo to level as the Spaniard meets a loose ball in the penalty area, but somehow he fires wide of the post from five yards. Incredible chance for Sevilla. Little over five minutes of football remaining.
Levante make their second change of the match as Roger Marti replaces Acquafresca, who has certainly put in a shift this evening. Plenty of pace in the home side's attack for the final few minutes. You just get the feeling that the match is getting away from Sevilla as another attack breaks down.
Half-chance for the home side to add their second as Diop bursts forward from midfield before striking an effort from close range, but it just moved wide of the post. Meanwhile, Levante make their third and final change of the match as Hector Rodas replaces Rios.
Levante are almost there as they continue to keep hold of the possession in the Sevilla half. But you just get the feeling that there could be one last chance for the away side. The fourth official reveals that we will play an additional three minutes of stoppage time and we are indeed into the first of those.
POST! Half-chance for the home side to add their second as Juanlu fires a dangerous cross into the penalty area, but it thumps off the post. Sevilla break down the other end, but Garcia fells Navas. Little under 30 seconds of football remaining.
CHANCE! Another glorious opportunity for Negredo to level the scores in the final moments as he strikes an effort from close range, but Munua makes the save. That was the chance.
FULL-TIME: Levante 1-0 Sevilla
So there we have it. Levante do indeed hold on in the latter stages to secure an overdue three points. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us for more La Liga football tomorrow. Good evening!
