The Battle of Valencia: Levante UD vs. Valencia CF
Welcome to the Valencian derby, where Levante UD and Valencia CF are set to clash in what promises to be a thrilling encounter. Both teams have been on a rollercoaster ride this season, with Levante UD making waves in LaLiga 2 and Valencia CF navigating the choppy waters of LaLiga. Let's dive into the nitty-gritty of this matchup and see who might come out on top.
Levante UD: The Underdog with a Bite
Levante UD has been punching above their weight in LaLiga 2, sitting comfortably in fifth place. Their recent 3-1 victory over Granada showcased their attacking flair, with José Luis Morales leading the charge. However, the departure of promising youngster Andrés García to Aston Villa might leave a dent in their midfield creativity. Levante's home form has been less than stellar, with only one win in their last ten home games. Despite this, they have a knack for scoring late goals, with 27% of their goals coming in the final 15 minutes. This could be crucial against a Valencia side known for their late-game heroics.
Valencia CF: The Resilient Giants
Valencia CF, on the other hand, have been a mixed bag this season. They've managed to remain unbeaten in their last few matches, including a morale-boosting 1-0 win over Real Sociedad. Their manager, Carlos Corberan, has a personal vendetta against Barcelona, which might just spill over into this derby. Valencia's away form has been shaky, with only one win in eleven games, but they've scored in 15 consecutive matches, showcasing their attacking prowess. Hugo Duro Perales, with seven goals to his name, will be a key player to watch.
Head-to-Head: A Tale of Two Cities
Historically, Valencia CF has had the upper hand in this fixture, winning 17 of the last 34 meetings. Levante UD has only managed six wins, with the most common result being a 0-0 draw. However, both teams have shown a tendency to score late, with Valencia netting 35% of their goals in the last 15 minutes. This could lead to a high-scoring affair, despite the historical trend of low-scoring games.
Prediction: Valencia to Edge It
Given the current form and historical dominance, Valencia CF seems poised to take the win in this derby. Their ability to score consistently, coupled with Levante's shaky home form, tilts the scales in their favor. However, with both teams' penchant for late goals, expect both sides to find the back of the net. My prediction: Valencia CF to win with both teams scoring.
LaLiga
Levante UDvs
Valencia CF
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