Levante vs Leganes

Levante dominated the opening exchanges in their first competitive run-out since securing LaLiga survival last season. The first chance came through Edgar Alcañiz's high press, which forced a turnover and set up Carlos Espí, whose shot was saved by former Levante goalkeeper Raúl Fernández.

Castro set his side up in a 4-2-3-1 shape in possession, shifting to a 4-4-2 block without the ball — the same structural principles that underpinned their safety last term. Paco Cortés dropped deep to link play, while the full-backs pushed high.

The breakthrough came in first-half stoppage time. Carlos Espí picked up the ball in midfield, drove forward, and after capitalising on a defensive error from Leganés, beat Raúl Fernández from inside the box to make it 1-0 at the break.

Castro made 10 changes at half-time, introducing a largely second-string XI featuring several Atlético Levante UD youngsters. The game lost some rhythm as a result, with Víctor García's long-range effort that skimmed the crossbar the closest Levante came to doubling their lead. Dani Cervera and Iván Romero also combined well but could not find the finish.

Leganés punished the drop in intensity. Pulido drove forward from defence and squared for Rober López, who tapped into an empty net with Dani Martín committed, levelling the score at 1-1 in the 80th minute.

Just as the friendly appeared destined for a draw, Levante won a corner on the right. Debutant Alberto Calatrava's delivery caused a scramble in the box, and the ball fell to Martin Krug at the far post. The Panamanian centre-back nodded home from close range in the 89th minute, sparking celebrations among the home contingent.

Krug's goal was a reminder of the set-piece threat that can decide tight games — this time, it worked in Levante's favour. The centre-back was also shown a yellow card during the match, as was teammate Arriaga, while Leganés' A. Campos was also booked.

Referee Sergio Escriche Guzmán officiated the fixture.

Carlos Espí — The Tavernes de la Valldigna forward scored the opener with a powerful solo run and finish. He led the line effectively in the first half and was a constant outlet in transition.

Martin Krug — The Panama international played the full second half at centre-back and scored the 89th-minute winner. His aerial presence at both ends of the pitch was noticeable throughout his time on the field.

Enzo Bardeli — The French midfielder made his unofficial debut for Levante wearing the number 18 shirt. Operating as an attacking midfielder, Bardeli showed sharp combinative play and linked well with his new teammates despite only joining training earlier in the week.

Rober López — Leganés' most incisive player. His well-timed run and finish from Pulido's assist brought the visitors level and gave their performance a deserved edge.

The match was a classic pre-season friendly in structure: two entirely different XIs per half, 10 substitutions at the break, and a clear prioritisation of minutes over result. Levante controlled the first half with greater coherence — their established XI showing more positional discipline than the Leganés side. The second half was more fragmented, with Leganés growing into the game as Levante's youngsters searched for rhythm. The decisive action came from a set piece, which accounted for one of Levante's few clear chances in the second period.

This was the first of several pre-season friendlies for both sides. Levante, who retained their LaLiga status last season, continue their preparations under Luís Castro in the build-up to the new campaign. Their next friendly is scheduled against Sheffield United, followed by a fixture against Al Qadsiah on 26 July. Leganés, preparing for a Segunda División season, will aim to build on the competitive showing.

No official attendance figure was published for the behind-closed-doors fixture at the Ciudad Deportiva de Buñol.

A typical first friendly — disjointed, heavy on substitutions, and light on sustained quality. Levante will take confidence from the late winner and Espí's sharpness in front of goal. Leganés matched their hosts for long stretches and will be encouraged by López's equaliser. The result itself matters less than the minutes banked, but Castro will be pleased his side found a way to win.