Levante Clinch Crucial 2-0 Win at Oviedo: Álvarez and Eyong Strike as Visitors Defy Possession Odds
Levante delivered a composed, clinical performance at the Estadio Nuevo Carlos Tartiere to down hosts Oviedo 2-0 in a match that belied the home side’s dominance on the stat sheet. Goals from Carlos Álvarez and Etta Eyong translated Levante’s efficiency into three precious points, lifting Julián Calero’s side away from the early-season drop zone and handing Oviedo a concerning sixth defeat in eight.
Despite Oviedo controlling 57% of possession and racking up more passes with greater accuracy, it was Levante who looked sharper in both penalty areas. The visitors struck first on the half-hour mark: Manu Sánchez whipped in a superb cross, met by Álvarez, whose pinpoint left-footed finish rocketed beyond Aarón Escandell. The breakthrough only further emboldened Levante’s defensive resolve, marshaled at the back by Matias Moreno and Adrián de la Fuente, who repelled a succession of Oviedo attacks as the first half wound down.
Oviedo pressed, earning eight corners and firing 12 shots, but their finishing deserted them at key moments. Salomón Rondón’s header soared over, while Haissem Hassan saw a close-range effort blocked. In goal, Mathew Ryan’s sure hands denied both Ilyas Chaira and David Carmo—Ryan made three crucial saves to keep the hosts at bay.
Tempers flared late in the first period, with Rondón entering the referee’s book deep into stoppage time. Paunović, desperate for a spark, rotated his forwards early in the second half, but Levante absorbed pressure and attacked on the break.
The game swung decisively in the 72nd minute. After Oviedo failed to clear a corner, Eyong pounced from close range, tapping home to double Levante’s lead and seal the result. Oviedo’s frustration grew, culminating in a yellow card for David Carmo moments later. Despite Paunović’s tactical tweaks—including the introduction of Santi Cazorla for a dose of experience—Levante’s back four held firm, with late bookings for Toljan and Moreno reflecting their commitment to protecting the clean sheet.
Levante’s efficiency was stark: five shots on target from just 43% possession, yet two goals and near-flawless game management. For Oviedo, boos echoed around the Tartiere at the final whistle—a familiar sound in what’s becoming a troubled campaign.
With this win, Levante climb to eight points, steadying themselves in the midtable pack, while Oviedo’s woes continue as pressure mounts on Paunović to deliver a turnaround. For a full breakdown, match highlights from the official LaLiga YouTube channel capture the game’s pivotal moments, including Álvarez’s opener and Eyong’s clincher.