Levante 2 Elche 1
The Friday night battle of Valencia was won by Levante from up the coast, where on balance of play a draw would have been fairer, Elche having led for twenty minutes in the first half. Before the match both teams were in mid-table with 17 points each, but with Levante’s poor home form showing only one win in eight with four defeats, and Elche’s three away wins the Illicitanos’ must have been optimistic about their chances.
Surprisingly Elche fielded three major changes, all in defence: in goal Tono started his first league game after playing against Villarreal in last week’s Copa del Rey, and at right back Rumanian Christiano Sapuranu replaced Damian Suarez. In central defence veteran defender Serge Peligrin replaced David Lomban alongside Botia, with Albacar at left back. In central midfield Ruben Perez partnered Carlos Sanchez, across in front were Carles Gil, Coro and Fidel supporting lone striker Boakye.
For Levante old Elche friend and favourite Jordi Xumetra appeared.
Only 10 minutes had gone when a cross from the right saw a dangerous chance for Levante scrambled away, at the other end moments later Coro tricked his way down the left to provide an opportunity for Boakye, who blasted the chance over the bar. No matter, two minutes later and Elche were ahead, all courtesy of the Franjiverde’s defence.
Wide left just inside the Levante half Albacar’s free kick found Botia at the far post: his header back reached Sapuranu who slammed it home to the joy of several thousand noisy supporters who had made the journey from Elche.
Five minutes from half-time Fidel missed a golden chance to make it two, as his effort went just wide after being put clear through by Boakye’s flicked header. This proved expensive as a minute later it was 1 – 1, a long cross from the Levante left finding Barral with a lot to do, but he rose between the Elche centre-backs to guide his header into the corner past Tono: half-time all square.
In the second half Levante pressed forward with intent and Elche’s defence was put to the test. A weak header out of the visitor’s area was returned with venom, and just finger-tipped over the bar by Tono. Immediately after Fidel was replaced, not before time by Aaron.
Boakye was booked for a late tackle, but then somehow contrived to miss from two yards out, that eventually proving to be another costly error. Botia was similarly booked before Sapuranu went off injured to be subbed by utility man Mantecon, and soon after Boakye was replaced by new striker Christian, substitute and scorer of the unlikely winner against neighbours Valencia two weeks ago when again the scores were level.
No such wonders this time, as with ten minutes left another deep cross into the Elche defence saw Barral, once again, rise between Botia and Peligrin to glance his header past Tono, ironically enough almost a carbon copy of his first goal. Almost on time Christian was booked for a far post foul on the goalkeeper as a final Albacar free kick was beaten out, and the home side won 2 – 1 to great joy from the Blue and Red striped supporters, and the Illicitanos’ cursing their missed opportunities.
Next week is busy for Elche at home: on Tuesday is the replay of the Copa del Rey against Villarreal at 8pm, followed by another Friday night outing in the league at 8pm, this time against worried Malaga.
Last season’s Champions League semi-finalists are in trouble, sitting 15th in the league three points behind Elche in 12th.
Mucho Elche!
Photo: www.elchecf.es
Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/41904/
Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in Spain
Costa Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |
