
The League
8:00 p.mFebruary 27, 2026
Regular season – 26
City of Valencia Stadium
Referee: Francisco Hernández Maeso, Spain


levant


Alaves
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
2.48
Expected Goals (xG)
1.28
Passing by
308 (85%)
Accurate passes
309 (79%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
13
G
Mathew Ryan
8.3
23
d
Manuel Sanchez
7.0
2
d
Matias Moreno
7.6
4
d
Adrià de la Font (C)
8.9
22
d
Jeremy Toljan
7.0
14
m
Ugo Raghouber
6.9
m
Paco Cortes
24
m
Carlos Alvarez
6.9
8
m
Jon Ander Olasagasti
7.5
26
m
Kareem Tunde
7.2
9
F
Ivan Romero
6.3

The League Standings – First Division
Qualification/Relegation
- Promotion – Champions League (League phase)
- Promotion – Europa League (League phase)
- Promotion – Conference League (ranking)
- Relegation – LaLiga2
Carlos Espi’s late brace propelled Levante to a dramatic 2-0 victory over ten-man Alavés.
Llevant secured three vital points on Friday in their bid for survival in the League. The match at the Ciudad de Valencia Stadium saw a tense battle.
Llevant, languishing in 19th place, entered the game in desperate need of a win. Their recent form saw them go five games without a win. Alavés moved up four places to 15th, looking to consolidate their position in mid-table.
The first half offered a tricky game with few clear-cut chances. Alaves initially looked sharper, creating the first chances of the match. Levante goalkeeper Mathew Ryan made some excellent saves, denying Alaves to keep their side level.
Víctor Parada of Alaves received the first yellow card of the match in the 20th minute. He committed a robust challenge in midfield. Levante struggled to turn possession into meaningful attacks in the opening period.
The two teams entered the break with the score 0-0. Levante needed to find more penetration and creativity in the final third. Alaves had to be more clinical with their promising formation game.
The second half immediately brought more intensity. Pablo Cortes from Levante received a yellow card in the 51st minute for a tactical foul. The crucial turning point came ten minutes later. Parada collected his second yellow card in the 61st minute for another unexpected introspection. The referee showed him a red card.
Carles Aleñá de l’Alaves also received a warning for unsporting behavior amid the protests. Levante tried to quickly take advantage of their numerical advantage. Coach Javier Calleja introduced Carlos Espi for Levante in the 58th minute, replacing Carlos Álvarez. This substitution was decisive.
The home team stepped up the pressure as the clock wound down. Alavés’ depleted defense, despite being reduced to ten men, remained resolute for a long stretch. The visitors resorted to desperate measures. Goalkeeper Antonio Sivera received a yellow card for time wasting.
Levante finally broke the deadlock in the 88th minute. Espi found space in the area and pushed a shot past Sivera. The stadium erupted as the home fans celebrated their much-needed first goal.
Espi then sealed his double in the 90th+7th minute of added time. He took a pass from K. Etta Eyong, who guided the ball into the net. This ensured a 2-0 win for the home side, prompting scenes of jubilation.
Levante’s expected goals (xG) finished at 2.48 from 22 total shots, with five on target. Alavés achieved 1.28 xG in 17 attempts, with seven shots on goal. Ryan was a standout player for Levante, making five vital saves.
This hard-fought win gives Levante a major boost in their battle to avoid relegation. Alaves will reflect on the dismissal of Parada and his inability to convert the first chances.

