MD37: Levante 1-5 Valencia - The Derby

[Pat Murphy]

Sunday 11th May - 20:00 UK - Primera División


The Valencia derby. Despite being relegated Levante will go all out for this. They've looking forward to this match for weeks. Valencia need 1-2 points to stay up in my calculations.

[Pat Murphy]

Villa-Led Valencia Thrash Levante

Levante 1-5 Valencia

Valencia formally assured their place in the Primera for next season with a thumping win over city rivals Levante...

3-1 up at half time, Valencia weren't too troubled in the city derby, and things were only to get better from there as David Villa grabbed a hat-trick.

It was a cathartic moment for Los Che, who, if one remembers, have twice shipped five or more goals in their past four matches. Tonight they had their revenge.

Strangely, though, Levante were by far the better side for the first ten minutes as the Valencia midfield - complete with David Albelda - struggled to make an impact. Twice in that time the Granota side threatened, but in fact they were to go 1-0 down within a quarter-hour.

David Villa continued his fine run of set-pieces to fire past the helpless Reina and thus mathematically save his side from relegation as things then stood.

Villa made it 2-0 after half an hour as Levante visibily lost confidence, finishing at the second attempt after a good solo effort.

Serrano cut the deficit with an accurate, dead-ball finish that flew into the corner of Hildebrand's net, and suddenly it was game on again.

Still, Valencia were well on top by this time and made it 3-1 almost immediately afterwards after a lovely counter-attack. Villa instigated it and Mata finished it to restore the two goal advantage.

Levante began the second half intending to play on the counter, and while they defended well to start with their plans were scuppered when Angulo made it 4-1 on the 66th minute mark. He scored with ease after Reina parried Villa's effort.

Villa was not to be denied his hat-trick, though, and he made it 5-1 to complete the humiliation seconds later.

Geijo came close for the hosts afterwards, but he'd have known as well as anyone that it was a lost cause.

Goal.com

Goal.com - La Liga - Villa-Led Valencia Thrash Levante


I thought Levante would put up a good fight but they got a battering.

Villa hatrick with an assist. Should boost up his price.