Second derby on the second day of LaLiga return, this time with a match between both teams from Valencia. Home team Valencia, which could not count on starting central defender Gabriel Paulista, are currently on the seventh spot and trying to reach the fourth so they can access to the Champions League. On the other hand, Levante are in the middle of the table, right between relegation and Europe.
Both teams started off on a -4-4-2 system, but Valencia looked to open up more the field and find left back Gayá on the wing. On the other side, Levante decided to stay backwards and let Valencia have the ball most of the time. Home team dominated the game, but they were unable to overcome Levante´s defense so far, as they were very confortable on the back, waiting for counterattacks. Game got even on the last fifteen minutes from the first half, as Levante began to reach Valencia´s keeper Cillesen goal through attacking players Rochina and Morales. It finished 0-0 at halftime and with no many clear chances apart from a shot by Carlos Soler that hit the crossbar.
Both teams were missing on increasing the speed on their ball circulation, they needed to be more unpredictable, as the game was very static Levante finished the last fifteen minutes with ten players as forward Roger was sent off, but they did not really suffer to get a point. Valencia´s forward Rodrigo scored the 1-0 on the 89th minute, but Levante ended up rescuing a draw.
On valencia´s goal, defender Guillamon opened up to Gayá on the left and he sent a perfect pass to Rodrigo inside the box to score what it seem to be the winning goal. However, defender Diakhaby made a stupid penalty on the last minute of the extra time, and Gonzalo Melero took care of scoring it to seal the final draw.
