The first leg of the Segunda playoff final between Levante and Deportivo Alaves ended nil-nil. The game was low on quality as neither team attempted to lose the tie in the first leg.
Now, the teams will meet in the second leg of the Segunda playoff final, with a place in La Liga up for grabs.
La última en Buñol 👏🏻#LevanteAlavés 🔛 pic.twitter.com/wfEpcddi0d— Levante UD 🐸 (@LevanteUD) June 15, 2023
La última en Buñol 👏🏻#LevanteAlavés 🔛 pic.twitter.com/wfEpcddi0d
Levante and Alaves had the opportunity to obtain automatic promotion up to the final day of the regular season.
Levante missed out on automatic promotion due to goal difference. Alaves, on the other hand, drew their final game of the season. A win over Las Palmas would have sent Deportivo up.
The promotion final will be the fourth fixture between these teams this season. Levante went unbeaten in the three previous matches, picking up two wins and a draw.
Levante's’ two wins in the regular season were by identical 2-0 scores. Both teams will likely play the second leg defensively once more and prevent losing.
Levante outshot Alaves in the first leg 11-8. However, just four of Levante’s shots hit the target, while Deportivo had two shots on target.
Alaves kept more possession, with 55% of the ball. Playing at home could benefit Levante, as the home crowd get behind them.
Alaves failed to win their last four matches on the road in the Segunda. They posted an overall away record of 6W-7D-8L, with 19 goals scored and 22 conceded.
There should be some worry on Deportivo’s part that they won’t get the goals needed for a win.
Levante ended the Segunda campaign with three straight matches unbeaten.
The Frogs posted a home record of 11W-7D-3L and tallied 25 goals. Levante conceded just 11 times in 21 home games.
Deportivo manager Luis Garcia has just one player on the injury list. Centre-back Nikola Marras will miss the game due to a knee injury.
Alaves are led in goals by Luis Rioja, with 10 this campaign.
Levante manager Javier Calleja has two players on the injury list for the final. Midfielder Jose Campana will miss the game due to a long-term knee injury.
Fellow midfielder Pablo Martinez will also likely miss the match due to a knee injury of his own.
Forward Mohamed Bouldini and midfielder Joni Montiel have combined for 15 goals this season for Levante. Both players should line up on Levante’s right side of the attack in a 4-4-2 formation.
Like the first leg, there should be few goals between Levante and Alaves. The match should go to extra time after a nil-nil draw.