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Late derby drama sees Valencia and Levante share the spoils

The 10 men of Levante fought back to score a 97th minute equaliser in their derby against Valencia, doing so from the penalty spot for a dramatic 1-1 draw.

After Roger Marti was sent off with 15 minutes to go, it seemed Levante had been made to pay for that red card when Rodrigo Moreno scored to put Valencia ahead at an empty Mestalla, but Gonzalo Melero's late spot kick ensured the spoils were shared.

Valencia started out as the better side, as Maxi Gomez almost turned in a cross and as Carlos Soler smacked the crossbar.

Levante had a couple of interesting breaks on the counter attack, but could never find the final pass and it remained goalless at the break.

Valencia continued to look the more dangerous side after the passage through the dressing rooms and Albert Celades' eyes would have lit up when Roger Marti was shown a second yellow to leave the visitors with 10.

When Jose Gaya conjured up a perfect cross for Rodrigo to score the opener with two minutes to go, it seemed that Valencia were returning from the coronavirus pause with a three-point haul, but there was to be another twist to the tale.

Mouctar Diakhaby hauled down Ruben Vezo needlessly on the edge of the penalty area and, although it was initially given as a freekick, VAR intervened to say that it was just inside the box.

The ball was placed on the penalty spot and Melero sent Jasper Cillessen the wrong way to earn his side a draw.

Source: Marca / Euan McTear