Levante UD's Cinderella Story Turned Pumpkin: A Copa del Rey Upset

In the latest twist that could have been ripped straight from the pages of a sports drama, or perhaps a telenovela, Levante UD's Copa del Rey journey came to a screeching halt not with a bang, but a whimper. On the evening of October 30, 2025, under the dim lights of Estadio Municipal Los Arcos, Levante found themselves outplayed and outwitted by Orihuela CF, a team from the depths of the Segunda Federación. Think of it like a high school band out-jamming a Grammy-winning artist - unexpected, yet undeniably entertaining.

Levante, a team that cruises through the higher waves of LaLiga 2, was expected to make mincemeat of their fourth-tier opposition. But the football gods had other plans, and Orihuela CF pulled off what can only be described as a heist worthy of Ocean's Eleven. With a stadium capacity of just 7,000, the atmosphere was intimate, akin to an indie film screening where the underdog steals the show, leaving Levante fans wondering if they were in a Black Mirror episode instead of a football match.

Crucial to the narrative was the absence of Levante's key forward Ivan Romero, who was sidelined with an injury. Without their main man, Levante's attack was like a rock band without its lead singer - they still played the notes but the harmony was all off. This critical absence left Levante reaching for straws, or perhaps, reaching for the tissues, as their cup aspirations for the 2025-26 season crumbled like a poorly made soufflé.

The loss not only represents a significant upset given the tier difference but also serves as a stark reminder that in football, as in life, the script is never predictable. Just when you think you're watching a rerun, the plot thickens, and the underdog rises. For Levante, it was a moment of reflection, a reminder that even the mightiest can be humbled, and a testament to the beautiful unpredictability of the Copa del Rey. Perhaps next time, Levante will bring their A-game, or at least call in a favor from the football fates to avoid another episode of 'Unfortunate Events.'