Atlético Levante strike efficiently on the counter to overcome David Cifuentes’ side in the first leg of the play-off

It was a very cruel start for Villarreal C in the promotion play-off to Segunda Federación. David Cifuentes’ side did not have their day and lost to Atlético Levante, a team that made the most of their chances and punished a difficult afternoon for the Yellows.

After finishing the regular season in outstanding form, with six consecutive wins, luck turned against Villarreal’s second team, who lacked sharpness and struggled with spaces at the back.

The Levante side scored with their first chance of the match, gaining the confidence to sit back and wait. Calatrava put the visitors ahead midway through the first half. After the goal, Levante sat deep and took advantage of the spaces to hurt Villarreal. Brandon Yarce and Álvaro Moreno extended the lead to 0-3.

In the closing minutes, Villarreal C refused to give up and tried to get back into a tie that seemed almost decided. Showing great determination, a header from Fofana five minutes from time gave hope to David Cifuentes’ side, who will fight for a difficult comeback in Buñol.