Juan Ignacio Martinez believes Levante can go into the second leg of their Last 16 clash with Rubin Kazan optimistic that they will get their chances.
Los Granotes played out a goalless draw with their Russian counter-parts in this Europa League knockout clash.
“We knew they were a team with an intensive counter-attack, a team that is very strong, supportive and offensive,” began Martinez in reflection.
“It was very difficult to score. Levante were closer to the victory, but it could not be.
“In all European games so far, Rubin had scored, so that says a lot about us, about our defensive work, of our collective aspect. They gave us the ball, but also had their chances in play.
“I think the second leg will be a tactical game. They will have to risk things as the home team, the pitch is new to us as it is artificial turf and that is not the same.
“It is also true that we will not be as strong out there, but we will have our chances, we know that we must be consistent in defence.”
Both teams finished the game with 10 men, with Levante’s Michel sent off just a few minutes after Cristian Ansaldi.
“He’s a talented footballer, I have memorised the play. He lost the ball, left the ground, it’s true. It is too bad it is Michel.
“The referee has interpreted it as a red card, it is true that we could not take advantage of the numerical advantage over Rubin.”
