A late goal from Obafemi Martins on his debut for Levante completed an unlikely comeback against a lacklustre Real Sociedad.
The host’s backline allowed Spanish midfielder David Zurutuza to let one fly from distance and Gustavo Munua could do nothing as it nestled in the bottom left corner of the net 20 minutes into the game.
The Basque outfit continued to dominate possession with Carlos Vela and Jose Angel working well down the left hand side of the pitch and Antoine Griezmann probing on the right.
Los Granotes went into the interval down a goal and seriously lacking imagination upfront, with Ruben Garcia struggling to make an impact.
In the second half, though, Levante upped the pressure with Garcia quickly making way for Michel. David Navarro and Sergio Ballesteros also solidified the defence to cope with the visitors’ abundant attacking options.
Meanwhile, Coach Philippe Montanier pushed French winger Griezmann further forward as Mexican striker Carlos Vela dropped back in a tactical switch.
It was Juan Ignacio Martinez’ decisions that paid dividend 20 minutes from time, however. Former Liverpool prodigy Nabil El Zhar was fouled in the area and Miguel Barkero slotted home the resulting spot-kick.
The silky Moroccan continued to cause the Basque outfit problems in the final exchanges, and eventually substitute Martins completed an unlikely comeback.
The Nigerian striker calmly slotted home the winner on his debut for the club with five minutes left to play.
The result has seen Levante leapfrog Real Sociedad into the top half of the table, while Montanier’s side remain on six points in mid-table.
