Real Betis and Levante clashed at the Estadio Benito Villamarin knowing that a victory for either would temporarily move them into fourth position.
Betis took the lead early on courtesy of a tidy finish from Joel Campbell and despite chances for both sides, that is how it remained at the interval.
Ruben Castro had the home side's second after 63 minutes, meanwhile, to wrap up all three points for Betis.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Morning all! Our La Liga coverage gets underway in the early kickoff as Real Betis welcome a Levante outfit to Seville. Both teams have impressed in the league thus far and will be keen to pick up the three points to cement their place in the European picture. In many ways, this is the most fascinating fixture of the weekend.
Betis are currently the third in-form side in La Liga with four wins from their last six matches. Their last league clash ended in a 2-1 win away at Real Zaragoza as they once more utilised their pace on the counter attack. They also boast a win against Real Madrid this season and will therefore be confident of beating any team on their own patch.
It would probably be fair to state that Betis would have been happy with a comfortable finish in the table this season. However, that is certainly not the case as things stand. They currently sit level on points with fourth-placed Malaga and in with a real chance of securing a sensational return to European football.
In their way, however, is a Levante side that have also impressed this season. They have taken 10 points from the last 18 on offer and sit in eighth position, just one point behind Betis. They have been strong at home, but less impressive on the road with just three wins from their nine matches. That said, they are perfectly set-up to exploit Betis in this particular match.
We are just waiting for the confirmed team news to filter through. Let’s take a look at some in-depth statistics for both teams. Betis have been far from watertight in defence this season with 29 goals conceded in their 18 league matches. That is in contrast to Levante who have conceded 25. To put that into context, Malaga have the best defensive record in the division with just 13 goals conceded. Deportivo La Coruna have the worst with 39.
What about at the other end? Betis are the joint-fourth highest scorers in the league this season with 28 goals. Meanwhile, Levante have scored four less. Once more, to match that up with the rest of the division, Barcelona have scored the most with an incredible 61 goals. Osasuna have the unpopular title of being bottom of the attack charts with just 14 goals to their name.
TEAMS:
REAL BETIS: Adrian; Nacho, Chica, Mario, Amaya; Perez, Vadillo, Castro, Molina; Campbell, Nono
LEVANTE: Munua; Lell, Navarro, Juanfran, Ballesteros; Diop, Juanlu, Michel, Garcia; El Zhar, Marti
Taking a look at the recent meetings between the two sides, Levante have won four of the last five matches. Their only defeat in that period came in June 2010 in the Segunda Division. That only goes to show how far both teams have come, however, with the pair now challenging in the upper regions of Spain’s top division.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. Let's just run through the main team news. Betis continue with Joel Campbell in attack, but Nono comes in for a rare start. Meanwhile, Levante are without Obafemi Martins, meaning that Spaniard Roger Marti starts as the lone striker.
Right, the pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Just about time for my prediction. This is one of the hardest matches to predict this weekend. However, I am going to back a narrow Betis victory. Without Martins - who starts on the bench - Levante do tend to struggle in attack.
Today's referee is Cesar Muniz. Let's hope that we are discussing the match and not the officials come the end of the 90 minutes. Just a reminder that three points for the home side would temporarily move them into fourth position. However, Levante can only rise above Malaga with the victory. It is so delicately poised. Betis get the action underway.
Decent start from the away side with Michel and Juanlu exchanging quick passes in midfield before the latter looks for the run of Marti, but Javi Chica is across to clear the danger. Just a reminder that the corresponding league clash last season was won by Levante so they will enter the match full of confidence.
Neither team has really taken control of the early stages with each exchanging spells of possession in midfield. A floated free kick from Michel threatens to cause problems in the Betis defence, but Mario rises highest to clear the danger. Meanwhile, Juanlu is penalised for a foul on Jorge Molina down the other end.
Levante have looked the side more likely to force the issue as they counter once more with El Zhar down the right, but the former Liverpool midfielder's effort is straight at the goalkeeper. Betis attempt to break down the other end with Nono, but the skipper Ballesteros is across to clear the danger.
I's good pace from Molina as the Betis winger drives down the left before winning a corner for his side. The resulting set piece is taken by Vadillo, but David Navarro is on hand to head clear. End-to-end period of the match at the moment as the home side continue to force a host of corners. It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the ground.
GOAL! Real Betis 1-0 Levante (Campbell)
First blood to Betis! It's a devastating counter attack from the home side as Castro carries the ball into the penalty area before squaring for Campbell, who simply cannot miss as he fires his effort into the bottom corner. That is his second league goal of the season.
I would be very surprised if that strike was the last of the goals in this match. Both sides have demonstrated their willingness to attack with pace and numbers thus far. Levante attempt to launch an immediate response as Marti dances into the penalty area, but Adrian is out to collect the danger.
Betis really is a wonderful place to play your football at the moment. The home supporters continue to make their voices known and their team is responding on the pitch. A reminder that as it stands Betis would move into fourth position in the table. Campbell again threatens on the counter, but the return pass from Ruben Perez is just too long and the danger is cleared.
Again Campbell is involved for the home side as he collects a pass from Castro before firing an effort on goal, but it was always moving high of the crossbar. Levante appear incredibly open inside the opening 14 minutes of this match. It is a surprise that they have decided against starting Martins, this is just the type of match that he enjoys.
Another half-chance for the home side as Michel fells Castro on the edge of the penalty area. The resulting free kick is taken by Nono, but his effort is straight into the wall. The pressure remains as Castro picks up possession, but he cannot round Diop and the danger is cleared.
Levante continue to make things hard for themselves as they give away yet another free kick as Juanlu fouls Campbell. The resulting set piece is taken by Nono, but Amaya can only head over the crossbar from a difficult angle. The away side simply cannot keep possession as the half begins to develop.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last few moments with both sides guilty of giving away a host of fouls in the opposing half. Betis are the side dominating possession, but the away team are working hard in order to quell the danger on each attack. You just feel that there are goals in this match as Levante break once more.
Half-chance for Levante as Perez fells Michel outside the penalty area. The resulting free kick is taken by the Spanish midfielder, but his effort is ambitious as he fires it wide of the target from all of 35 yards. That is just about as close as they have come inside the opening 22 minutes of this match.
Levante have just started to enjoy a period of control as they pass and probe on the edge of the Betis penalty area. A half-chance arrives as Ruben Garcia beats the offside trap before advancing on goal, but Adrian is out to make a fine save with his feet. End-to-end football at the moment with both sides threatening to add to the scoring.
A loose pass from Juanfran allows Betis to break with Campbell carrying the ball down the left, but the on-loan Arsenal striker cannot cut inside and Navarro is across to clear the danger. However, Campbell draws a huge cheer from the crowd moments later as he wins back possession with a crunching challenge. High-tempo stuff at the Estadio Benito Villamarin.
Again it's good work from the away side as El Zhar combines with Marti before driving into the penalty area, but he fells Mario in the process and much to his frustration a free kick is awarded. Betis attempt to break down the other end with Nacho, but once more the final pass is just short of the destination. Little over 15 minutes of the half remaining.
Not a great deal to report in terms of chances in the past few moments. Betis' control of the match has just disappeared in recent minutes with Levante making it much more of an even contest. That said, we have not had a clear chance for either team since the opening goal of the afternoon.
Half-chance for the away side as Michel dances past two challenges before attempting to slide a pass towards Juanlu, but Adrian is out to gather the danger. The Spanish goalkeeper has a bit of a moment as he loses control with Marti in close proximity, but eventually the danger is cleared. Much better from Levante in recent minutes.
Again Levante threaten as Lell drives into the Betis penalty area. However, he loses his feet in the box at the vital moment. The German wants a penalty from the challenge by Mario, but the referee shakes his head. That would have been extremely harsh. Nothing much from Betis in the past five or 10 minutes.
Little under 10 minutes of the first period remaining and Levante continue to look the most likely to add to the scoring. Another opportunity arrives as Michel fires a dangerous cross into the penalty area, but Mario is once more on hand to head clear. The counter comes in the shape of Castro, but Juanfran is back to quell the danger.
Another half-chance for the away side as Michel whips a dangerous corner into the penalty area. It causes all sorts of problems for Adrian with the goalkeeper unable to collect under pressure, but Ballesteros cannot direct his header on target and it moves out of play for a goal kick. Another let-off for Betis.
In truth we have not really had a clear chance in this match aside from the Campbell effort, which was dispatched into the back of the net. That is the difference at this level, all it takes is that one chance. As it stands Betis would move into fourth spot in the table. But there is still a long way to go as Levante fire another high ball into the penalty area.
Decent pressure from Betis in the latter stages of the half as Campbell demonstrates a wonderful piece of skill before driving into the penalty area, but he cannot find a gap in the box as his low cross is cleared by Lell. The resulting corner is taken by Castro, but this time Ballesteros is on hand to clear.
I shouldn't think that there will be too much added time at the end of the half with stoppages very much at a premium. There were a few challenges in the opening stages, but the match has flowed since then with both teams threatening on the counter attack. It has been an extremely open half of football. Let's hope that there are more goals yet to come.
It must be said that the Betis supporters are absolutely rocking this stadium at the moment. They have not stopped since the very first whistle. What a wonderful atmosphere. A couple of late corners for the home side, but once more it comes to nothing. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute at the end of the half.
HALF-TIME: Real Betis 1-0 Levante
So there we have it. The referee blows his whistle as the first period is brought to an end. Just the one goal inside the opening 45 minutes with Campbell finishing off a sweeping move to leave Betis ahead at the interval. In truth, it has been a match of few clear chances.
Just a reminder that as it stands Betis would move into fourth position in the table. However, that could be just for a few hours with Malaga taking on Barcelona this evening. That said, Levante would also move into fourth if they can turn things around in the second period.
Let's take a look at some statistics from the opening half of football. Betis have dominated the possession with 60%, but they have managed just one attempt to Levante's four. However, the only statistic that matters sees the home side lead 1-0 at the interval. But you just sense that there are more goals to come.
In terms of the second period. It would be a surprise of Levante did not introduce Martins sooner rather than later. It is understood that the striker is carrying an injury, but if he is fit enough for the bench then surely he is fit enough to play. Meanwhile, Betis will be fairly happy with proceedings thus far and will be in no hurry to make changes. Right, the second period is just a couple of minutes away.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. One change at the interval for Levante as Martins replaces Juanlu. You just get the feeling that the next goal in this match - if there indeed is one - could ultimately decide the outcome. Levante get the second half underway.
Decent start to the second half from Levante with Martins immediately combining with Marti, but the return pass towards the striker is just too long and the danger is collected by Adrian. Betis attempt to break down the other end with Campbell, but the winger is caught by a flailing arm by Diop.
Slightly scrappy period of the match at the moment with neither side able to keep possession for an extended period. This will suit Betis as they have something to hold onto, but as we have already seen, it just takes one counter and one chance. Levante will be quietly confident of still taking something from this match.
Half-chance for the home side as Vadillo cuts inside before striking a powerful effort towards the top corner, but it was always moving away from goal. Martins collects a long pass down the other end before finding the run of El Zhar, but the former Liverpool midfielder cannot collect and the danger is cleared for a throw.
Diop appears to have a problem here as he Levante midfielder is caught in a challenge with Castro. Replays have shown that the Senegal international took a blow to the side of the head. The stretcher is on, but it is good news as Diop returns to his feet and he should be fit to continue.
Not a great deal to report in terms of chances in the past few minutes. Levante look the side more likely to grab the next goal, but it cannot be said that they have really tested Adrian in the Betis goal. Meanwhile, the supporters continue to make their voices known as they create a just wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium.
Penalty shout for the home side as Castro darts into the box before being felled under the challenge of Lell, but the referee waves play on. Replays have shown that the attacker lost his footing. Good decision from the officials. Little over 20 minutes of football to play and it appears that Betis are preparing their first change of the afternoon.
The change is indeed made as Vadillo is replaced by Eder Vilarchao. A decent couple of moments for Levante almost brings their leveller as Martins drives into the penalty box, but the pacey striker cannot sort out his feet in time and Adrian clears the danger. Betis have offered very little in attack in the second period thus far.
Again we have just entered an untidy period of the match with both sides picking up a host of yellow cards for late challenges. Betis will not mind as the minutes continue to drift away, but it is upsetting the tempo of the game. The home side remain a threat on the counter, but Levante look the more capable in possession.
Meanwhile, Levante make their second change of the match as Roger Marti is replaced by Angel Rodriguez. Little over 25 minutes of football for the away side to take something from this match. A reminder that as it stands Betis would temporarily move into fourth position. An incredible achievement.
GOAL! Real Betis 2-0 Levante (Castro)
Betis have their second of the afternoon as Castro collects possession outside the box before turning and curling his effort into the bottom corner. That is a stunning finish. It is a long way back for Levante from this position.
Suddenly it's all Betis with Campbell combining with Castro in the final third, but the return pass is just short of the desired target. The second goal has raised the roof off this stadium as the supporters continue to make their voices known. If Levante are to take something from this match then they simply have to score soon.
Opportunity for Betis to put the match beyond Levante as Campbell breaks much pace and purpose, but he cannot find Castro inside the penalty box as Lell steps across to clear the danger. You get the feeling that both teams will get chances in the final moments with the match incredibly stretched.
Little over 20 minutes of football remaining in the match and Betis have a comfortable 2-0 lead as things stand. Not a great deal to report in terms of chances in the past few minutes with neither side able to find that elusive pass in the final third. Will we have late drama here?
Half-chance for Levante as Lell breaks forward from defence, but his effort is wide of the target when he should have perhaps found the target. Meanwhile, Levante make their third and final change as El Zhar is replaced by Pedro Rios. He has just about 18 minutes of normal time to make an impact here.
End-to-end football at the moment with both teams attacking with pace and purpose. However, neither can find that final pass as each counter breaks down. It is difficult to see Levante taking something from this match unless they score in the next few moments. They haven't pushed on since conceding the second.
Half-chance for Campbell on the counter attack as the pacey winger evades two challenges before finding Castro outside the box, but his effort is straight at the goalkeeper. The pressure remains as Jorge Molina fires home from close range, but the flag had been raised.
Just about 10 minutes remaining in the match and Betis are just about as comfortable as they could ever imagine to be. It cannot be under-estimated the influence of the crowd this afternoon, they have simply driven Betis forward on each occasion. Bar a late turnaround their side are moving into the top four in the table.
Half-chance for the away side to force an opportunity as Michel slips a low pass behind the Betis defence, but it just moves away from Garcia at the vital moment as Adrian is out to collect. The pressure remain as Lell fires a cross into the box, but Mario clears the danger.
Another opportunity for the away side as Michel strikes a free kick from outside the box, but it was always moving high of the crossbar. Meanwhile, Betis make another change as Nono is replaced by Jose Dorado. Little over five minutes of football remaining.
Just a reminder that we have three back-to-back La Liga commentaries from 3.30pm this afternoon. Be sure to join us for that. Back to this match, Campbell has a half-chance for Betis as he drives into the penalty area, but his effort is blocked by Navarro, who has been the pick of the Levante defenders this afternoon.
Not a great deal to get excited about in the final few minutes with Betis controlling the possession and tempo. Levante attempt to break with Michel slipping a pass behind the Betis defence, but once more it comes to nothing. Meanwhile, the home side make another change as Campbell is replaced by Salvador Agra.
Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes of football at the end of the match. Half-chance for Betis to add their third as Castro fires a low cross into the penalty area, but Navarro comes across to make the clearance.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of minutes of stoppage time. Betis have yet again secured the three points without ever really taking control for large periods. A reminder that they will move into fourth position. Little under 30 seconds remaining.
FULL-TIME: Real Betis 2-0 Levante
So there we have it. Betis score a goal in each half to secure a 2-0 win over Levante. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and join us from 3.30pm this afternoon for more La Liga football. Until then!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
