Levante UD is preparing to face Villarreal CF in a derby that carries a historical weight and a sporting urgency. The match, scheduled for tomorrow Sunday at 6:30 p.m. at the Estadio La Cerámica, marks the seventh day of LaLiga EA SPORTS. After a week marked by physical and emotional effort, the team of Luís Castro seeks to continue the reaction shown against FC Barcelona, where, despite being 0-3 down, managed to get closer to 2-3 and was dismissed with an ovation from the fans. This motivational boost will be key to facing a rival that also seeks its first home victory this season.
Both teams arrive with five points in the standings, although Levante UD has one less match played. Villarreal, after scoring its first victory in the previous season, has not yet managed to triumph against its fans in La Cerámica, a situation it wants to reverse. The match presents itself as an opportunity for both teams to advance in the table, especially before the break for international commitments. Levante, which had to postpone its match against Athletic Club, arrives at the derby after five consecutive rounds of competition.
On the pitch, the Granada team faces the duel with three injuries: Primo, Etta Eyong and Hugo Sotelo will not be available. In addition, Ifeanyi Ndukwe has been called up by the Austria U-21 National Team, which affects the squad. Despite these absences, the team maintains the motivation to score points in a scenario that has historically been difficult. The history in the yellow fortress does not favor Levante UD, with only two victories in 14 matches, while Villarreal has scored 30 goals and the Granada team only 11.
However, the memory of October 2011 still lives on in the memory of Levante fans. In that match, Levante UD won 0-3 at El Madrigal thanks to the goals of Juanlu and Koné, a victory that was not only one of the most outstanding in rival territory, but that allowed the team to be first in the Primera División for the first time in its history. This fact adds an emotional plus to the match, especially for players like Dela, Etta Eyong, Mandi, Requena and Thiago, who have worn both jerseys.
The match presents itself as a duel of identity, effort and ambition. The objective of Levante UD is to transform the commitment shown against Barça into a victory that allows them to improve their position in the table. Villarreal, on the other hand, seeks to break its streak of victories against its fans. Both teams, with intertwined histories and deep emotions, will face off in a match that transcends the three points and becomes another chapter in a rivalry full of memories and expectations.