Levante stun Rayo Vallecano in Madrid to reignite season
What a night in Vallecas! Levante Unión Deportiva took to the pitch on Monday night and simply ran riot against Rayo Vallecano on their own Madrid turf. With a solid and efficient display, 'Los Granotas' secured a 2-0 victory, proving they are still very much in the promotion hunt in La Liga 2. Watching them glide across the pitch, you couldn't help but think of the smooth ride of a Maserati Levante – the perfect blend of power and class.
The match: Granota dominance from the first minute
Julián Calero's side showed no fear. With a high-pressing game, Levante stifled Rayo's build-up play right from the first half. In the 23rd minute, following a slick exchange of passes, Carlos Álvarez broke the deadlock with a stunning strike from outside the box. The home crowd tried to lift their team, but it was Levante's night.
The local coach made changes in the second half, but Levante held firm. The second goal wasn't long in coming: on 67 minutes, Álex Muñoz pounced on a rebound from the keeper to tap it home. Game over: 2-0 and three massive points in the bag.
So, what's Japan got to do with it?
You might be wondering: why on earth would a Spanish La Liga 2 game make you think of Japan? Simple: after the match, striker Mohamed Bouldini revealed in an interview that the squad has been reading Japanese ghost stories in their downtime. "We get together at the hotel, and everyone shares a legend they've read. They say it helps build team spirit. And tonight, it worked a treat!", joked the Moroccan forward. Well, if team chemistry is anything to go by, Levante will be haunting plenty of opponents between now and the end of the season.
The numbers behind the victory
Levante's dominance wasn't just reflected on the scoreboard. The stats show just how comprehensive their superiority was:
- Possession: 58% for Levante (vs 42% for Rayo);
- Shots on target: 7 to 3 in favour of the visitors;
- Passes completed: Over 450, with an 86% success rate;
- Tackles: 14 to 10 – the Granota defence was a brick wall.
With this result, Levante jump to 7th place, now just two points off the promotion play-off places (the G6). The dream of promotion is more alive than ever.
What next?
The Valencia-based side are back in action next weekend at home against Sporting Gijón. If they maintain the level they showed in Madrid, I wouldn't bet against them climbing even higher in the standings. Meanwhile, the fans can start getting their hearts ready and, who knows, maybe even reading a few Japanese tales to get in sync with the squad. If it's working for them, who are we to argue?
Match facts: Rayo Vallecano 0 x 2 Levante | Estadio de Vallecas, Madrid | Goals: Carlos Álvarez (23'), Álex Muñoz (67').