La Liga wrap: Valencia trump local rivals

Valencia took the bragging rights and moved level on points with Barcelona on Saturday after defeating local rivals Levante 2-0 in La Liga.

Thanks to their recent seven-match unbeaten run, which ended with defeat to Osasuna last week, Levante came into a derby ahead of Valencia in the league table for the first time since 1964/65.

But two unusual goals and a fantastic display from Tino Costa saw Unai Emery’s visitors become the first side to defeat Levante at home this season.

After an eventful start at Estadio Ciutat de Valencia, the match became a cagey affair as both teams struggled to retain possession.

In the 31st minute, some technical brilliance from Costa, handed a starting berth in place of the injured Ever Banega, changed the game.

The playmaker dispatched a wonderful pass from deep which split Levante’s defence and found Jordi Alba, whose shot deflected off centre-back Javi Venta and around Levante goalkeeper Gustavo Munua for an own-goal.

Costa made the difference again in the second half.

He swung a 49th-minute free-kick into the back of Munua’s goal, with the keeper completely fooled by the trajectory of the shot.

Arouna Kone wasted a chance to reduce the deficit when he attempted to beat Valencia goalkeeper Vicente Guaita, with a pass to Carlos Aranda the better option.

Later, Aranda had Levante’s last real sight of goal, with his hard, left-footed strike saved by a sprawling Guaita.

Valencia saw out the closing exchanges in relative comfort, and their victory lifts them above Levante and into third.

They are level on 24 points with reigning champions Barcelona, who visit Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.

Elsewhere, Malaga were held 0-0 in their match away to Real Betis.

The draw leaves Malaga sixth, one place and one point behind Sevilla, who also played out a 0-0 stalemate at Mallorca.