Levante 1-1 Girona player ratings as Carlos Espí scores before late blow | OneFootball

Levante were denied a vital win in their fight for survival as Girona snatched a 1-1 draw at the Ciutat. Carlos Espí’s header had put the hosts in front.

An even first half brought chances at both ends, with Levante compact and intense out of possession. After the break, Víctor García’s fine cross found Espí, whose powerful header made it 1-0. As reported by Superdeporte, the fixture was billed as another final for the granotas.

The task grew harder on minute 60 when Olasagasti was sent off for a rash challenge with the score in their favour. The hosts dug in and repelled waves of Girona pressure.

Deep into stoppage time Joel Roca struck to make it 1-1, and three precious points slipped away. Misfortune reigned again at the Ciutat.

Mathew Ryan was reliable and brave under crosses, tidy with his feet, and had little chance with the goal. Manu Sánchez’s delivery was erratic and he was exposed at times, though he tightened up after the interval. Dela was steady and produced a crucial goal-line stop from Blind, while Matías Moreno impressed with firm defending and a late left-foot volley that flew just wide.

Jeremy Toljan’s impact was intermittent. Oriol Rey controlled the tempo and sought vertical passes in one of his strongest top-flight outings. Olasagasti shone in the first half with recoveries and pressing before the dismissal.

Iván Romero pressed energetically but lacked precision in the final actions. Kareem Tunde worked aggressively before going off injured on minute 14. Academy pair Paco Cortés and Espí were lively, Cortés creating danger from the flank and Espí again ruthless in the box, now on three goals in two games.

Source: Superdeporte