The "Dream Season" continues for the poorest and oldest average-age team in La Liga.
With Barcelona and Real Madrid winning on Tuesday and Wednesday, Levante benefited Ruben Suarez Estrada's free kick in stoppage time in order to complete the rally in a win 3-2 over Real Sociedad in order to reclaim La Liga's top spot.
Wednesday's home win marked the seventh consecutive match the 7-2-0 undefeated club from Valencia has won. Managed by Juan Ignacio Martinez, the Granotes are one of the best defensive clubs in La Liga. During their streak, they've outscored their opposition, 16-4.
Despite the best efforts of Real Sociedad, Levante continues to play with the poise and confidence of a veteran team who has nothing to lose at their stage in their careers.
In the early goings of the match, Daniel Estrada gave Real Sociedad a 1-0 advantage in the fourth minute of the match. The first half would have resulted in 3-0 Real Sociedad advantage had Alberto de la Bella's and Inigo Martinez's shots on goal not collided into the bar.
Entering the second half down a goal, Levante only needed a span of five minutes to reverse their first half misfortunes. Victoriano Nano leveled the match 1-1 in the 56th minute. Then in the 61st, Valdo hammered home his tie-breaking goal to give Levante a 2-1 lead.
With less than five minutes remaining in regular time, Inigo Martinez leveled the match 2-2 when he scored his goal in the 86th minute when he beat Levante's goalkeeper Gustavo Munua for the equalizer.
In stoppage time, Ruben Suarez Estrada sealed the victory for Levante when he scored the game-winner late in stoppage time for a 3-2 victory. With their record intact, Levante's extraordinary season continues atop of La Liga.
Following the win, Levante has a road match against Osasuna on Sunday, October 30.
Other results from Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Getafe and Osasuna played to a 2-2 draw.
Rayo Vallecano won 2-0 over Malaga.
Valencia won 1-0 over Real Zaragoza.
Sporting Gijon won 2-1 over Mallorca.
Real Madrid won 3-0 over Villarreal.
La Liga Standings as of Thursday, October 27, 2011
1. Levante U.D. (7-2-0, 23 pts.); 2. Real Madrid (7-1-1, 22 pts.); 3. Barcelona (6-3-0, 21 pts.); 4. Valencia (5-3-1, 18 pts.); 5. Sevilla FC (4-5-0, 17 pts.); 6. Malaga (4-1-4, 13 pts.); 7.Rayo Vallecano (3-3-3, 12 pts.); 8. Real Betis (4-0-4, 12 pts.); 9. Espanyol (4-0-4, 12 pts.); 10. Osasuna (2-5-2, 11 pts.); 11. Atletico Madrid (2-4-2, 10 pts.); 12. Athletic Bilbao (2-3-3, 9 pts.); 13. Mallorca (2-3-4, 9 pts.); 14. Real Zaragoza (2-3-4, 9 pts.); 15. Real Sociedad (2-2-5, 8 pts.); 16. Getafe (1-4-4, 7 pts.); 17. Sporting Gijon (2-1-6, 7 pts.); 18. Villarreal (1-4-4, 7 pts.); 19. Racing Santander (0-5-4, 5 pts.); 20. Granada (1-2-6, 5 pts.)
Cesar Diaz covers soccer for LatinoSports.com. He also writes for 5 Points Press and USSoccerPlayers.com; your source for American soccer news brought to you by members of the U.S. National Team. Easily accessible, you may reach Cesar at cesar@latinosports.com and at Twitter at @CoveringSoccer.
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