Levante 1-Athletic Club 0: Wrong way

Athletic Club is headed in the wrong direction in the Liga, after returning empty handed from Levante’s pitch, Nou Estadi, in Valencia. The 1-0 final is the summary of a match that has begun with two penalties in favour of the locals that were not indicated, many cards called on the home squad and later compensation that has influenced, and much, the outcome of the match during the second half.

Between protests and cards, Manchev has had the first option in the minute 21 of play; however, Cesar has saved it from under the posts. Sergio has had another opportunity a minute later and Yeste immediately afterwards with a volley that has gone out just barely.

Despite it all, a magnificent play by Iraola has extended the best red-and-white option, but Ezquerro has not known how to define in the minute 27 of play. The last minutes of the first half have been local, with clear options for Ettien and Sergio, while the red-and-whites saw cards as compensation, or by popular request, and they have paid for it in the renewal.

All alone, Sergio pressed towards the area in the minute 48 and, pursued by Prieto, he has fallen without a foul, although on the pitch it initially seemed the opposite. Nevertheless, he couldn’t avoid a second yellow and thus the match took more of an uphill turn, if it fits.

A pair of adjustments has brought tranquillity to the red-and-white side, although Valverde has removed Karanka to prop up the defence.

It seemed that the worst had passed, but in a single minute, between the 68 and the 69, Sergio has made Aranzubia shine and has finished off a latter corner kick, whose deflection was sent into the red-and-white net by Jesule. There were neither players, nor freshness to try for the draw even though Urzaiz, who was ready a couple of minutes before the local goal, has entered the game. There was enough will in those compasses but the rival was offered too many breaks.