Levante defeated Valencia in the lunchtime derby today thanks to a wonder strike from Obafemi Martins.
It was an energetic start to proceedings in the Valencian midday sun, with both teams having opportunities in a fast start, but it was only matched with wayward finishing.
However, that was until Obafemi Martins opened the scoring midway through the half with a fantastic half-volley into the roof of the net.
In one move, goalkeeper Gustavo Munua cleared the ball down the pitch for Martins to allow it to bounce once, before taking it on the chest into the area on the run and emphatically striking it over Vicente Guaita.
Valencia looked to respond before the break and more than once found through open play and set play a way into the Levante box, only for the final ball to prove absent.
The second half developed into Los Che’s attacks against Levante’s movements on the break, but with Juan Ignacio Martinez’ defence tightening after half-time, ultimately it was Martins’ first-half strike that proved enough for Los Granotes to leapfrog Valencia in the table.
