In tonight’s LaLiga Santander matchday-one clash, both sides came out with the clear intention of sticking to their playing styles, serving up an extremely hard-fought game right from the off. Operating in a 4-4-2 formation, Levante endeavoured to keep the ball and use the full width of the pitch, while Cádiz CF, who were set up in a 4-2-3-1, looked well organised and made the most of the slightest opportunity to launch quick breaks.
In the opening stages of the game, it was Levante who carved out the clearest openings, as attacking players such as José Luis Morales and José Campaña made their presence felt. Meanwhile, Cádiz sought to create danger at the other end, courtesy of direct forward forays and dead-ball opportunities. Indeed, Álvaro Negredo had the ball in the net after finishing off a well-worked set piece, but the striker was offside and the goal was ruled out.
A few minutes later, Morales received the ball with his back to goal on the edge of the Cádiz area, before turning adeptly and firing a shot into goalkeeper Conan Ledesma’s net to give Levante the lead. 1-0 it remained when the sides went in for the break, despite Campaña having the chance to double the visitors’ advantage with a direct free-kick.
Although both teams’ styles remained evident in the second half, Cádiz began to play more on the front foot as they looked for an equaliser and increasingly forced Paco López’s men to focus on defending their lead. In the 70th minute, Cádiz created their clearest chance yet, Varazdat Haroyan heading a corner towards goal only for keeper Aitor Fernández to save his effort.
Cádiz continued to try everything to get themselves level, until deep into stoppage time Pacha Espino latched onto a loose ball in the Levante area to sweep home and grab a dramatic equaliser for Álvaro Cervera’s side. A positive first step for Cádiz in the new campaign, and an early example of the rewards of keeping the faith.
