Lucas Alcaraz conceded that his Levante team struggled to compete in their 2-0 last 16 Copa del Rey defeat at Malaga.
Venezuelan youngster Juanpi opened his senior account for the Costa del Sol outfit with a superb left-footed effort on 16 minutes, while Ricardo Horta deservedly doubled his side’s lead 12 minutes from time with a well-taken goal.
“After the second goal we struggled to keep up and that made them feel more comfortable,” Alcaraz told reporters.
“But we took some positive things from the game and before they made it 2-0 it was equally balanced, with both teams having the same number of chances, although they had more possession.
“If we can win 2-0 in the return leg and take the tie into extra-time than so much the better, but we will need to compete,” he warned.
