Levante off bottom with Espanyol draw

Levante have secured a 1-1 draw with Espanyol to move off the bottom of La Liga.

Rubi's side made a fast start thanks to an early goal from Jefferson Lerma, but Espanyol hit back with an equaliser from Gerard Moreno to prevent the visitors from climbing out of the relegation zone.

Levante were ahead in just the sixth minute thanks to an error from Enzo Roco as the central defender gifted possession to Lerma, who sprinted clear to fire home the opener.

Espanyol were soon dominating possession after the early setback, but a first half of frustration followed as Felipe Caicedo wasted a good opportunity by heading wide at the near post.

Despite seeing the hosts control the tempo before the break, Levante continued to look a threat on the counter-attack as a vulnerable Espanyol defence struggled to recover from falling behind.

It came as no surprise when Espanyol did equalise, however, as a strong start to the second half produced a goal when a fast break finished with Victor Sanchez delivering a low cross to allow Moreno to tap in at the back post.

As the hosts attempted to build on the equaliser, they were almost caught out by Jordi Xumetra, whose low strike forced Pau Lopez into a crucial save.

Both teams went in search of the winner in the closing stages, but a lack of clear chances late on ensured that the points were shared.