Alabès sealed their promotion to the First Division, the sixth in their history, after winning with a penalty goal scored by Asier Villalibre in the 128th minute of extra time, a penalty by the hands of Rober Pier that he did not see the referee did indeed warn the VAR and left Levante immersed in a terrible drama, when they were already savoring promotion because the goalless draw in the second leg gave them promotion for their best classification in the League , in which he was third.
As happened a week ago in Mendizorrotza, the game was very even, with many nerves and inaccuracies. Luis García Plaza’s team needed victory and this led him to look for possession. From the initial whistle, he advanced his lines further and managed to close Llevant in his area, which feels comfortable without being exposed and looking for counterattacks.
The match started with two missed chances, the first, a counter from De Frutos, and then, a shot from Asier Villalibre that went over the crossbar. The game got wrapped up in the center of the field and there was not much more news in the areas until two appearances from the locals, from Vezo and the Moroccan Bouldini and another from Alabès through Tenaglia. The second half started with no changes and Alabès accentuated their dominance from the start.
After two minutes, Alabès had a clear double chance. The local goalkeeper, Femenías, made two saves; a shot from the front of Miguel de la Fuente and then with his foot it was removed by another Luis Rioja.
In the 57th, Asier Villalibre came close to scoring, but the header from the player on loan from Athletic went high. From the hour of play came the changes on the part of the two teams. In Levante, Javi Calleja changed the striker. He took Bouldini out and brought in the most veteran of them all, Roberto Soldado.
The lack of goals and the uncertainty of the scoreboard were felt as the end approached and everything indicated that extra time would be reached after two games without a single goal. No one was taking any chances, least of all in the areas, but the game was very imprecise, with many nerves.
Soldado had his chance in a counter in the 77th. The reply came in a shot by Abde Rebbach that narrowly missed the target. Extra time was reached with both teams very tired. The first half De Frutos crashed a ball on the crossbar. Then, Sylla missed his shot at the box. Pepelu took another free kick on the crossbar and Femenías prevented Toni Moya from scoring. In the 128th, Rober Pier’s penalty arrived and the drama began for Ciutat de Valencia. Villalibre deceived Femenías and brought immense joy to Vitoria.
