Valencia have missed the chance to close the gap at the top of La Liga due to a 2-1 defeat against Levante this afternoon.

The opening exchanges saw few chances as both sides committed a number of fouls early on in the match.

Jose Gaya was presented with the game's first opportunity but his effort from inside the box went high and wide to the right.

Alvaro Negredo then went close for Valencia before Mohamed Sissoko had a shot blocked for the hosts.

Following the restart, Levante ramped up the pressure on their opponents and looked increasingly likely to score.

Victor Casadesus eventually broke the deadlock when he headed home following good work from Andreas Ivanschitz.

A dramatic period in the game then saw two goals in the space of two minutes.

First, Daniel Parejo equalised for Valencia before Jose Morales produced a neat finish to immediately restore his side's lead.

The visitors could not find another goal, meaning Levante went home with the points.