A 93rd-minute goal from Andreas Ivanschitz has helped Levante survive an almighty scare against 10-man Rayo Vallecano to claim their first win in La Liga this season.

The visitors made a bright start at the Estadio Teresa Rivero, which looked pretty empty behind the home goal for the first 24 minutes as Rayo fans carried out a protest over late kickoff times.

Just two minutes after Rayo fans ended their protest, Levante took the lead through Ruben Garcia, who showed neat close control before guiding past Ruben Martinez to break the deadlock.

Rayo's attempt to respond after the break was not helped when Lass Bangoura received a straight red card for kicking out at Juanfran as he got up on 60 minutes, leaving the referee with little choice but to leave the hosts at a man disadvantage.

Despite that setback Rayo pressed for an equaliser and were rewarded 12 minutes from time, as Joaquin Larrivey found space to head home a deep cross form Roberto Trashorras.

Levante retreated in the closing stages as Rayo pressed for a late winner, but deep into added time a counter saw the visitors claim all three points.

Jordi Xumetra created the decisive moment, finding Ivanschitz to secure a last-gasp first win of the campaign for Levante against the run of play.