Saturday's late start in La Liga pitted Levante against high-flying Espanyol in Valencia.
Espanyol started the better, but the away side fell behind after 25 minutes when Nabil El Zhar converted from the penalty spot, before Baba Diawara made it 2-0 moments later.
The lead became 3-0 in the early stages of the second period when El Zhar scored his second, with Espanyol simply unable to respond.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our final live La Liga commentary of the evening comes from Valencia as Levante welcome Espanyol. Just one defeat in their last five matches in the league has moved Levante into ninth position in the table, but they are yet to win on their own patch this season with three draws and one defeat in their four matches.
Espanyol, meanwhile, became the first team to take points off Atletico Madrid last weekend with a 1-0 win over the capital outfit. They have lost three of their last five in the league, but a positive start to the season sees them occupy seventh spot in the table, just three points off Villarreal, who are currently fourth.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Levante have won four of the last five, with Espanyol winning just once during that period. As mentioned, the corresponding match last season ended in a 3-2 win for Levante, but Espanyol were winners by the same scoreline on their own patch in February.
TEAMS:
LEVANTE: Navas; Navarro, Lopez, Rodas, Juanfran; El Zhar, Diop, Simao, Xumetra; Garcia, Diawara
ESPANYOL: Casilla; Moreno, Sidnei, J Lopez, Fuentes; Simao, Sanchez, D Lopez; Garcia, Stuani, Pizzi
So there we have it. No real surprises in the Levante XI this evening with Ruben Garcia named in attack alongside Baba Diawara. There are also starts for Nabil El Zhar and Simao Junior in midfield. Espanyol, meanwhile, name a three-pronged attack with Pizzi, Sergio Garcia and Christian Stuani all selected. Right, the home side get the action underway in Valencia.
Not a full house inside the stadium this evening, but there is a strong atmosphere. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital in this type of match. Diawara does not wait long to make an impact as he dives into a challenge with Victor Sanchez. Sergio Garcia attempts to find the run of Stuani for the away side moments later, but Navas collects.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with the referee forced to deal with a number of late challenges from both sides. The first free kick of note allows Diop the chance to deliver into the Espanyol box, but the away side manage to clear the danger. Garcia leads the break, but the Espanyol skipper is felled by Diop.
All-action start from the home side with the likes of Diop and Simao not giving Espanyol a moment to settle in midfield. Levante call for a penalty moments later as El Zhar goes down inside the box, but the referee is not interested. Fuentes is down the other end moments later, but his cross is deflected behind for a corner.
Plenty of attacking intent from both sides in the opening nine minutes of football, but neither has really threatened to open the scoring thus far. Espanyol have not come for a point there is no question about that with Garcia, Stuani and Pizzi all selected by Aguirre. However, the home side have had the majority of the ball thus far.
CHANCE! Chance for the away side from a free kick as David Lopez is felled outside the box by Juanfran. The resulting set-piece is taken by Simao, but Stuani can only head wide of the post from inside the box. That should really have been the opening goal of the evening. Encouraging signs for Espanyol.
Diop takes one in the face from Stuani in a high challenge, with the Levante midfielder coming off second best. Safe to say that he was not too pleased with the challenge. However, the referee takes no action. The temperature is building with 12 minutes on the clock in Valencia. It is an entertaining match.
Good pressure from Levante in the last couple of moments as they force two corners in quick succession. However, the first is cleared by Moreno, before Sidnei heads out of the area. Espanyol attempt to break with Garcia, but the away side's skipper cannot keep hold of the ball. Still goalless with 15 minutes on the clock in Valencia.
CHANCE! Another wonderful chance for the away side as Garcia dances into the box before finding Stuani, but he can only clip his effort high and wide of the crossbar. Two golden chances for Stuani inside the opening 17 minutes here. Not too sure about some of the Levante defending on display.
Xumetra has a half-chance for the home side as he strikes one from outside the box, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. It must be said that the atmosphere inside the stadium is just sensational this evening. Still goalless, but Espanyol have had the two best chances thus far.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with both sides struggling to keep possession in the final third. Meanwhile, the referee is more involved than he would like as the challenges continue to fly in. Not too much for the home supporters to get excited about in the opening 22 minutes of football in Valencia.
End-to-end football in the last couple of moments as Espanyol attack with Garcia, but the striker loses possession just outside the box. That sets up a counter for the home side, but Sidnei comes across to challenge Simao inside the box. Neither side is too interested in defending at the moment as both continue to commit players in the final third.
PENALTY TO LEVANTE!
GOAL! Levante 1-0 Espanyol (El Zhar)
Levante take the lead with 26 minutes on the clock as El Zhar converts from the spot having been felled by Victor Sanchez. It was a terrible decision from the referee, however, with the initial challenge taking place outside the box. The home side strike first in Valencia.
GOAL! Levante 2-0 Espanyol (Diawara)
Levante score their second in as many minutes as Baba Diawara rises in the box before clipping his header into the corner of the net. Well, this match has changed in a matter of moments. Can Espanyol turn this one around?!
The home supporters are in fine voice as we surpass the 30-minute mark in the match. You just get the feeling that Espanyol need to score before the interval if they are to find a way back into this match. In truth, they could have been 2-0 ahead in the early stages with two golden chances for Stuani.
CHANCE! Chance for Espanyol to open their tally as Sanchez curls one from outside the box, but Navas is across to make a fine save at the vital moment. The resulting corner is delivered into the box by Simao, but Juanfran is on hand to clear. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining.
Diawara is in the mood this evening as he collects possession outside the box before attempting to find the top corner, but his effort is just wide of the post. Everyone wants to get on the ball for the home side as the atmosphere rises inside the stadium. Little under 10 minutes of the first period remaining. Two goals in two minutes have seen Levante lead 2-0.
It just isn't happening for Espanyol at the moment as another attack breaks down in the final third. Levante have another half-chance moments later as Xumetra bursts into the box, but Casilla is out to claim at the vital moment. Levante are in total control.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with both sides struggling to find that elusive pass in the final third. However, Levante are untroubled as they continue to repel the danger. The home supporters, meanwhile, are in fine voice as we enter the final five minutes of the first period. A goal for Espanyol at this stage would change the entire feeling inside the stadium.
Slight problem for Navas here as the Levante goalkeeper lands awkwardly following a high challenge, but it does appear that he will be fit to continue. Both sets of players see the stoppage as a chance to get some fluids on board. Levante's two-goal lead remains in tact with 43 minutes on the clock.
Untidy last couple of minutes with neither side creating too much of note in the final third. It will be interesting to see if Aguirre changes anything in the second period. His side started impressively, but trail by two goals in the latter stages of the first half. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional two minutes at the end of the half.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Espanyol in the latter stages of the half, but Lopez can only head a Simao free kick wide of the post from close range. They have had some chances there is no question about that.
HALF-TIME: Levante 2-0 Espanyol
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Levante leading 2-0. Espanyol had most of the chances in the early stages, but two goals in two minutes from El Zhar and Diawara have left the home side ahead. Mountain to climb for Espanyol in the second period.
STATISTICS: Espanyol have dominated the possession in the first period with 60%, while they have had seven attempts to Levante's three. However, both of the home side's attempts on target have brought goals. It could have been a different story if Stuani converted one of his early chances.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a couple of attacking options on their bench in the shape of Ivanschitz and Pedro Rios. Meanwhile, Espanyol have the likes of Lanzarote, Abraham and German in reserve. It would not be a surprise to see Aguirre look to his bench at the interval.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us for the second period. If Espanyol score early, then it will be game on. However, another goal for Levante and it is surely curtains for the away side. Right, the away side get the second period underway on this humid evening in Valencia.
One change for Espanyol at the interval with Cordoba replacing Simao. Meanwhile, Levante have also made one change with Ivanschitz entering - not clear who has departed at the moment, but I shall confirm when the information becomes available. Not too much to report in the early stages of the second period with both sides attempting to settle into their passing pattern.
It's good work from Diawara as the Levante forward collects possession outside the box before finding El Zhar, but the offside flag had been raised at the vital moment. Espanyol are down the other end with Cordoba moments later, but the attacker's low cross is straight into the arms of Navas.
GOAL! Levante 3-0 Espanyol (El Zhar)
Levante score their third in the early stages of the second period as El Zhar drives into the Espanyol box before drilling a powerful effort into the top corner. Not sure about some of the defending there, but it was a brilliant strike from the former Liverpool midfielder.
Wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium at the moment with the home supporters full of noise. In truth, this could be anything in the remaining 35 minutes, with Espanyol struggling to get a kick in midfield. Baba Diawara and Nabil El Zhar have both been sensational for the home side this evening.
Half-chance for Cordoba to register for the away side as the pacey striker collects a through pass from Garcia, but Navas is out to clear at the vital moment. It just has not happened for the away side this evening. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining in Valencia. It could yet get worse.
Another opportunity for Espanyol as Stuani turns inside the box before attempting to find the top corner, but his effort is deflected high and wide of the crossbar. The resulting corner is met by Sidnei, but his effort is wide of the post. One goal now would just put some doubt into the minds of the home supporters.
Half-chance for the home side to make it 4-0 as Ivanschitz stands over a free kick outside the box, but his effort is into the stands. Espanyol make their second change of the match moments later as Colotto replaces Moreno. No question that the away side want to get this match over with as soon as possible.
Levante make their second change of the match as Pedro Rios replaces Diop, who has been their best player this evening. I would be astounded if his performances this season had not attracted outside interest. He has been stunning in the early part of the season. Not too much to report in terms of chances with 64 minutes on the clock in Valencia.
POST! Wonderful chance for Espanyol to open their tally as Pizzi strikes one from outside the box, but his effort smashes off the post. It falls to Cordoba, but his effort is saved by Navas. It just has not happened for the away side in the final third.
Espanyol make their third and final change of the evening as Lanzarote replaces Stuani, who has really struggled to make an impact in Valencia. Just a reminder that week 11 in La Liga starts on Tuesday evening - with a full programme of fixtures. Be sure to check in with us for that. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining in this one.
Espanyol continue to force the issue with a series of deep crosses into the Levante box, but the home side continue to repel the danger. In truth, not too much has happened since Levante's scored their third. At 2-0, Espanyol were still in with a chance, but the third goal ended all hopes for the away side.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of a number of challenges in the middle of the park. Lanzarote wants a penalty moments later as he goes down inside the Levante box, but the referee is not interested. There was some slight contact from Navarro there is no question about that.
Slight handbags between both sets of players in the last couple of moments. There is no need for anyone to get involved at this stage of the match. The match as a contest is over and has been since Levante scored their third. A deep cross comes into the Levante box from Javi Lopez, but Navas comes through a host of bodies to claim with ease.
The free-kick count continues to rise with Levante starting to turn the screw in the latter stages. The latest set piece allows Xumetra the chance to deliver into the Espanyol box, but Colotto manages to clear. The pressure continues with Diawara, but his tame effort is into the arms of the Espanyol stopper.
El Zhar is the latest player on the end of a bad challenge from Javi Lopez as the temperature continues to rise inside the stadium. It must be said that the home supporters have not stopped singing since the very first moment this evening. It is back to the drawing board for Espanyol, however, as their inconsistent form continues.
Good pressure from Espanyol in the last couple of moments with Garcia still forcing the issue in the final third, but Levante remain comfortable with each cross that comes into the box. The home side attempt to break with Baba moments later, but he just runs into traffic at the final moment.
Little over five minutes of football remaining in Valencia, with Levante heading for their first home win of the season in La Liga. The home supporters are starting to make their way towards the exit, confident that the side is in control of proceedings. I'm not sure that Espanyol can score three or four times in the final stages of this match.
Levante make their third and final change of the match as Vyntra replaces Pedro Lopez for the final couple of minutes. Just a reminder that Barcelona came out on top in El Clasico earlier this evening with a 2-1 win over Real Madrid. If you missed the action, be sure to check out the site for the minute-by-minute live coverage, match report, match analysis and all the reaction.
Scrappy last couple of moments with the referee forced to deal with a number of late challenges. Espanyol boss Aguirre remains on the sideline issuing instructions as the final minute draws to a close. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes.
Lanzarote attempts the spectacular for Espanyol as he clips one towards the top corner, but it was always landing the wrong side of the crossbar. Espanyol continue to dominate the possession in the latter stages, but it does appear that Levante will keep a clean sheet. Little over one minute of stoppage time remaining.
FULL-TIME: Levante 3-0 Espanyol
So there we have it. Levante pick up all three points with a 3-0 win over Espanyol. The away side started the better, but two goals in two first-half minutes handed Levante a two-goal lead at the interval. It became three in the early stages of the second period when El Zhar found the top corner. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good evening!
