Real Zaragoza travelled to the Estadio Ciudad de Valencia on Friday knowing that three points against Levante would have moved them clear of the relegation zone.
Neither side could find the back of the net in a fairly low-key first period, with the scores remaining level at the interval.
Levante were reduced to 10 men in the early stages of the second half when Pape Diop was given his marching orders, but Zaragoza could not take advantage with the match remaining goalless.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Week 35 in La Liga gets underway as Levante welcome Real Zaragoza. The home side’s season is in danger of drifting away with four defeats from their last five matches, but they are safe from relegation. However, the same cannot be said for their opponents this evening, who are in dire need of the points.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Zaragoza have shaded it with three wins from the last five, losing once and drawing once in the process. The reverse fixture earlier in the season ended in a 2-0 win for Zaragoza, but the points were shared in a goalless draw the last time the two sides met at this stadium in January 2012.
As it stands, Levante currently sit 12th in the league table on 41 points. Although mathematically not safe from relegation, it would take an extraordinary turn of events from them to drop down a division. Knowing that, their form has certainly dipped in recent weeks, taking just four points from their last six matches.
They have been fairly strong on their own patch this season with eight wins from 16 matches, losing just six times in the process. However, they have struggled on the road with just three wins from 18 matches. Although they are all but safe, it has been a largely underwhelming season for the club from Valencia.
TEAMS:
LEVANTE: Navas; Lopez, Navarro, Karabelas, Vyntra; Diop, Valdo, Iborra, Michel; Acquafresca, Rios
ZARAGOZA: Roberto; Loovens, Abraham, Fernandez, Gonzalez; Pinter, Apono, Montanes, Rodri; Postiga, Victor
So there we have it. Much-changed Levante side this evening with Karabelas, Valdo and Acquafresca coming into the team. However, Nabil El Zhar and Pedro Rios are consigned to the bench. Zaragoza also make changes, meanwhile, with Rodri and Victor Rodirugez preferred to Ruben Rochina and Leo Franco.
Zaragoza have given themselves a real chance of survival with back-to-back wins over Real Mallorca and Rayo Vallecano. That run of form has moved them onto 33 points, but they are just one point off the bottom three. The race to avoid the drop is certain to go down to the final weekend of the season.
Zaragoza have been poor on their own patch this season with just five wins from 17 matches, taking just 19 points in the process. Their away form has been far from spectacular with four wins from 17 games, but it has been enough to keep their heads just above water. Another three points this evening would be a major bonus.
Both sides have conceded 53 goals in their 34 matches to date, but Levante have faired slightly better down the other end with 36 goals to Zaragoza’s 35. It is incredible just how well-matched their numbers have been this season. Yet one is comfortably in 12th position while the other battles the drop.
Here we go then. Both sides join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Just about time for my pre-match prediction. Neither side has been in particularly good form of late, for that reason I am going to somewhat sit on the fence and predict a 1-1 draw. Let's hope for a match full of incidents.
Just a reminder of the main team news this evening. No El Zhar or Roger Marti for the home side, but Acquafresca and Rios both start in attack. Zaragoza boss Manolo Jimenez, meanwhile, names Helder Postiga, Victor Rodriguez and Rodri in attacking lineup. Right, the away side get the action underway on this mild evening in Valencia.
Not a full house in the stadium this evening, but there is a strong atmosphere. Zaragoza will feel confident of picking up all three points against a Levante side that has little to play for. A an early free kick from Apono allows Postiga the chance to flick a header towards goal, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar.
Just the one win in the last 10 matches for the home side. They are lucky that they enjoyed a strong start to the season or they would be in trouble. A half-chance comes to the home side as Pedro Rios darts into the box before striking an effort from close range, but Loovens is across to make a fine block.
Levante want a penalty as Michel's cross is seemingly handled by Loovens, but the referee is not interested. Well, I have certainly seen them given. Again the home side threaten as Iborra drives a low cross into the box, but Abraham is on hand to make the clearance. Bright opening six minutes to proceedings.
Half-chance for Michel this time as the Spaniard curls an effort towards the top corner, but Roberto is on hand to make the save. Zaragoza attempt to break down the other end with Rodri, but his pass towards Postiga was always too long for the Portuguese. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if we indeed have one - will be crucial in terms of the result.
Not too much for the away supporters to get excited about in the last couple of moments with Levante enjoying most of the possession in the opposing half. Meanwhile, the referee has been called into action to deal with a number of late challenges. That said, the quality of the set pieces from Levante have left a lot to be desired thus far.
Levante have the ball in the back of the net as Acquafresca curls an effort into the bottom corner from close range, but the linesman raises his flag, much to the frustration of the Italian. Replays have shown that it was indeed the correct decision. Another half-chance arrives moments later, but Acquafresca cannot meet a low cross from Garcia.
It had been suggested that Levante would not really be up for this match with their status in the league all but secured, but that has not been the case. Another half-chance arrives as Rios collects a through pass from Valdo, but Roberto is out to collect at the vital moment. Zaragoza simply cannot get hold of the ball with 14 minutes on the clock.
Safe to say that the home supporters are not too happy with the referee's contribution to this match as free kicks continue to arrive for Zaragoza. It's bright work from Rodri as the Spaniard finds Postiga outside the box, but his effort was always moving wide of the goal. Neither side has really threatened to open the scoring thus far.
CHANCE! Good opportunity for the home side to open the scoring as Acquafresca collects possession outside the box before thumping an effort towards goal, but it just moved the wrong side of the post. The Italian striker certainly looks up for the challenge this evening. Still not too much from Zaragoza, however, as they continue to lose possession of the ball.
No real tempo to the match at the moment with the referee forced to deal with a number of late challenges. A free kick for the away side does come close to presenting an opportunity as Abraham meets the cross from Apono, but Navas comes through traffic to clear. We still await the opening goal with 21 minutes on the clock in Valencia.
CHANCE! Another fine chance for the home side as Rios meets a cross from Valdo, but his header is straight at the goalkeeper. Oh he just had to score. The pressure remains as Iborra meets the rebound, but Loovens is across to make a fine challenge. Zaragoza really are riding their luck here. Manolo Jimenez looks a concerned man at the moment.
Decent period for the away side in the last couple of moments with Apono, Pinter and Montanes all seeing more of the ball in midfield, but they just cannot find that elusive pass in the final third. Postiga does manage to gather after good work from Fernandez, but he can only turn and cross straight into the arms of Navas.
Victor becomes the latest player to enter the book for a late challenge on Pedro Lopez. In fairness to the home supporters, they continue to create a strong atmosphere inside the stadium. Levante have certainly had the better of the chances, but neither side has really done enough to deserve to be leading at this stage of the match. Still goalless at the Ciudad de Valencia.
In truth it is quite hard work at the moment with both sides losing possession, before committing a foul in an attempt to regain the ball. That has been the pattern of the last few minutes. Acquafresca comes close to meeting a cross from Lopez moments later, but Abraham is across to make a fine challenge. Both defences have been sound thus far. Little over 15 minutes of the half remaining.
Good period for the home side in the last few moments with Michel and Rios both causing problems in wide areas, but Acquafresca has been unable to make the telling touch in the box thus far. However, Zaragoza continue to struggle to create opportunities with Postiga cutting an isolated figure in attack. No real chances for either side in the last few minutes.
Just a reminder that Levante, although not mathematically safe, are almost certainly guaranteed a place in La Liga next season. However, their European charge, which gathered pace at the turn of the year, has stalled. Zaragoza, meanwhile, sit just above the drop zone. A point would not be the worst result in the world, but three would hand them a major boost.
Zaragoza enjoy a period of possession, forcing two corners, but the first is cleared by Lopez before Abraham heads the second over the crossbar. Levante threaten immediately down the other end, but Rios's pass towards Acquafresca finds the Italian in an offside position. That has been the story of the half. Untidy.
The match was full of purpose in the opening 20 minutes or so, but unfortunately the tempo has since dropped. It really has that end-of-season feel to it, which is strange with Zaragoza in dire need of the points. It is the type of match that could be decided by the odd goal. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining.
Half-chance for Zaragoza as Apono whips a dangerous free kick into the Levante box, but Navarro is on hand to make the clearance. It falls to Postiga, but the Portuguese just cannot sort out his feet. Acquafresca makes another run beyond the Zaragoza defence moments later, but again he is offside.
Half-chance for the home side this time as Rios delivers a dangerous cross into the box, but once more Loovens is on hand to make the clearance. The sloppiness in terms of possession has certainly improved, but still the final pass evades both teams. Little over two minutes of the half remaining.
Another free kick arrives for Zaragoza outside the Levante box, but Apono's free kick fails to beat the first man. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute at the end of the half, with the supporters already making their way to stock up on refreshments.
HALF-TIME: Levante 0-0 Zaragoza
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 0-0. The match started brightly enough, but the tempo has dropped since the opening 20 minutes or so. Levante have had the better of the chances, but a 0-0 draw at this stage is a fair reflection of what we have seen.
STATISTICS: Zaragoza have just shaded the possession in the first half with 54%, but they have managed just three attempts to Levante's four. Aquafresca has been the main threat for the home side, but he has been offside on too many occasions. If Zaragoza want to secure a point this evening, then their gameplan is working.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a host of attacking options on the bench in the shape of El Zhar, Roger Marti and Simao Junior. Meanwhile, Zaragoza have the likes of Bienvenu, Franco and Rochina in reserve. It was a surprise that the latter was not handed a start this evening.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. No changes for either side at the interval. As it stands, Levante would remain in 12th spot in the table, 10 points off the bottom three. Meanwhile, Zaragoza would move above Osasuna into 16th. Right, the home side get the second period underway.
Bright start to the second half from the home side as Michel collects possession outside the box before sliding a pass towards Valdo, but the midfielder can only slice his effort wide of the post. Zaragoza attempt to force the issue moments later through Apono, but once more his final pass does not find the required target.
Slight problem for Navarro as the Levante defender is caught with an elbow from Postiga, but the Spaniard is deemed fit to continue following a period of treatment. His side are once more on the attack moments later as they pass and probe outside the box, but eventually Roberto claims a cross from Michel.
It would be no exaggeration to say that Zaragoza have not yet made an impact in the second period. You just get the feeling that with a little bit more desire they could claim all three points this evening. Another free kick comes to Levante in a dangerous position outside the box, but Postiga is on hand to perform his defensive duties.
Just a reminder that neither manager has altered their side thus far, but I suspect changes could arrive in the next 10 minutes or so. The match has just become slightly scrappy once more, however, with the referee forced to deal with a number of late challenges. One thing is for certain, it has not been a classic La Liga encounter thus far.
Levante continue to pass and probe outside the Zaragoza box, but they make a bit of a meal of the chance with Michel deciding to pass to Rios, who in turn finds Valdo and suddenly the opportunity to strike an effort on goal is gone. Just a little bit more care in the final third and we will see goals this evening.
RED CARD! Oh my word. Diop has been handed a straight red card here for a really high challenge on Victor. I do not think there was any intent about the challenge, but his foot caught the Spaniard in the face. Levante will have to play the remainder of this match with 10 men.
Zaragoza have a real opportunity to take all three points from this match, but you wonder how much they really want it. They have not really shown any attacking intent thus far. Levante's frustrations continue to boil over, meanwhile, as Lopez is booked for a challenge on Postiga. They really need to be careful here or they could be playing with nine men.
Levante make their first change of the match as Simao Junior enters the field in place of Valdo. The red card has certainly changed the thinking of Juan Ignacio. A half-chance comes to the away side moments later as Rodri strikes one from distance, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. Little under 30 minutes of football remaining.
CHANCE! Glorious chance for the away side as Victor collects a pass from Postiga before driving a low cross into the box, Navarro attempts to clear, but almost turns into his own net. Good grief. Just a few signs that Zaragoza are starting to get to grips with this match. There is a winner in this for them.
Good spell for the away side as they continue to pass and probe outside the box, but they cannot find that elusive ball in the final third. I suspect we could see a change for Zaragoza in the next five minutes or so, they have plenty of options on the bench. Half-chance for Postiga moments later, but his header is wide of the post.
Half-chance for the home side this time as Iborra strikes a free kick from outside the box, but it just moves wide of the post at the final moment. That is just about as close as Levante have come to scoring in the second period. Still more than 20 minutes of football to play in Valencia, but the scores remain 0-0.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments, but it is Zaragoza that are enjoying more of the ball. Back-to-back corners cause confusion in the Levante box, but Navas manages to palm the first over before Abraham heads the second over the crossbar.
Zaragoza do indeed make a change as Adria Carmona replaces Montanes, who has not been at his best this evening. I must say that I am surprised that Rochina has not been introduced. He has put in some fine performances and scored some vital goals in recent weeks. Little over 15 minutes of football remaining, I think one goal would be enough to secure all three points.
Half-chance for Postiga this time as the Portuguese meets a cross from Rodri, but his effort was always moving over the crossbar. He has been starved of service this evening, but he just needs to do better from that position. Another half-chance comes for Postiga moments later, but Vyntra is on hand to make a last-ditch challenge.
Zaragoza make their second change of the match as Loovens is replaced by Jose Mari. It did seem a strange decision, but Loovens has immediately been treated by the medic, which suggests that he was carrying an injury. Half-chance for Acquafresca moments later, but he can only fire wide of the post.
Levante make a change of their own as Rios is replaced by former Liverpool winger El Zhar. It does seem quite incredible that Zaragoza have not put on another striker with little over 10 minutes of football remaining. A point would not be the worst result, but three would be a major boost to their chances of survival. Is there to be late drama this evening?
Zaragoza finally make their third change of the match with Rochina replacing Rodri. Positive substitute from Jimenez. You just get the feeling that there is one big opportunity to come in the remaining stages. However, the last few moments have been scrappy with Abraham the latest player to enter the referee's book for a handball outside the box.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side as Iborra meets a free kick from El Zhar, but Roberto is on hand to make a fine save. Well, that was the glorious chance that I was talking about, but it has not been taken. Suddenly it is all happening with Levante flooding players into the Zaragoza box.
Zaragoza attempt to force the issue with a number of high balls into the Levante box, but Navas is on hand to collect on each occasion. The quality, from either side, just has not been there this evening. Final change for Levante, meanwhile, with Roger Marti replacing Acquafresca, who has run his socks off this evening.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments with both sides guilty of poor passing in the final third. A half-chance does arrive for the away side as Apono strikes an effort from outside the box, but it smashes into the side netting. Little over two minutes of normal time remaining.
Half-chance for Mari as the Zaragoza midfielder strikes an effort from outside the box, but Navas is across to make the save. Rochina takes a free kick from distance moments later, but his effort is high and wide of the target. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes of football.
Rochina again tries his luck from distance, but Navas is across to make a fairly comfortable save. Not too much from the home side in the final moments with Zaragoza forcing the issue, but they have not really done enough to deserve all three points. Little under one minute of stoppage time remaining.
RED CARD! The home side will end the match with nine men as Pedro Lopez is handed his second yellow card for a challenge on Carmona. It is a bit of a horror decision from the referee with the Zaragoza midfielder simply falling over outside the box.
FULL-TIME: Levante 0-0 Zaragoza
So there we have it. The referee brings the match to an end with the two sides sharing the points in a goalless draw. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us for more La Liga football tomorrow. Until then!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
