La Liga
8:00 PMFebruary 27, 2026
Regular Season – 26
Estadio Ciudad de Valencia
Referee: Francisco Hernandez Maeso, Spain
Levante
Alaves
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2.48
Expected goals (xG)
1.28
Passing
308 (85%)
Accurate passes
309 (79%)
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13
G
Mathew Ryan
23
D
Manuel Sánchez
2
D
Matias Moreno
4
D
Adrián de la Fuente (C)
22
D
Jeremy Toljan
14
M
Ugo Raghouber
M
Paco Cortés
51′ Foul
24
M
Carlos Álvarez
8
M
Jon Ander Olasagasti
26
M
Kareem Tunde
9
F
Iván Romero
La Liga Standings – Primera División
Qualification/Relegation
- Promotion – Champions League (League phase)
- Promotion – Europa League (League phase)
- Promotion – Conference League (Qualification)
- Relegation – LaLiga2
Carlos Espi’s late double propelled Levante to a dramatic 2-0 victory over ten-man Alaves.
Levante secured a vital three points in their La Liga survival bid on Friday. The match at the Estadio Ciudad de Valencia saw a tense battle.
Levante, languishing in 19th position, entered the fixture in desperate need of a win. Their recent form showed five games without a victory. Alaves sat four places higher in 15th, looking to solidify their mid-table standing.
The first half delivered a cagey affair with few clear-cut opportunities. Alaves initially looked sharper, creating the game’s early chances. Levante goalkeeper Mathew Ryan made excellent saves, denying Alaves to keep his side level.
Alaves’ Víctor Parada received the game’s first yellow card in the 20th minute. He committed a robust challenge in midfield. Levante struggled to convert possession into meaningful attacks during the opening period.
Both teams went into the break with the score at 0-0. Levante needed to find more penetration and creativity in the final third. Alaves needed to be more clinical with their promising build-up play.
The second half immediately brought more intensity. Levante’s Pablo Cortes received a yellow card in the 51st minute for a tactical foul. The crucial turning point arrived ten minutes later. Parada collected his second yellow card in the 61st minute for another ill-timed challenge. The referee showed him a red card.
Alaves’ Carles Aleñá also received a booking for unsportsmanlike conduct amidst the protests. Levante swiftly looked to capitalize on their numerical advantage. Coach Javier Calleja introduced Carlos Espi for Levante in the 58th minute, replacing Carlos Alvarez. This substitution proved decisive.
The home side intensified their pressure as the clock wound down. Alaves’ depleted defence, despite being reduced to ten men, stood resolute for a long stretch. The visitors employed 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 penalty area and powered a shot past Sivera. The stadium erupted as the home fans celebrated their much-needed opener.
Espi then sealed his double in the 90+7th minute of added time. He latched onto a pass from K. Etta Eyong, guiding the ball into the net. This ensured a 2-0 victory for the home side, sparking jubilant scenes.
Levante’s expected goals (xG) finished at 2.48 from 22 total shots, with five on target. Alaves managed 1.28 xG from 17 attempts, with seven shots on target. Ryan was a standout performer for Levante, making five vital saves.
This hard-fought win provides Levante with a significant boost in their battle to avoid relegation. Alaves will reflect on Parada’s dismissal and their inability to convert early chances.