David Barral strike hands Levante victory over Malaga

David Barral scored the only goal of the game as Levante edged to a 1-0 victory over Malaga in La Liga this evening, leapfrogging their opponents in the table in the process.

The first chance of the match fell to the hosts after 15 minutes when Andreas Ivanschitz drew a good save from Wilfredo Caballero from just outside the box.

They wouldn't have to wait much longer for the opening goal, however, as Ivanschitz turned provider this time, crossing the ball for Barral to nod home from close range.

The visitors' best chance of the first half came five minutes later when Samuel found some space in the box before sending a dangerous cross in the direction of Roque Santa Cruz, but Keilor Navas made a vital interception.

The roles were reversed seven minutes after the restart when Santa Cruz sent the ball towards Samuel having worked space in the area, but this time it was Pedro Lopez who made the all-important clearance.

Sergio Sanchez came close to levelling things up in the 73rd minute when he rose highest to meet a Duda corner, but his header was cleared off the line by Loukas Vyntra.

That was as close as the visitors came, however, as Levante hung on to their slender lead to move above Malaga and into 10th in the table.