Malaga 0 : 0 Levante - Malaga held by Levante

Posted Sunday, September 14, 2014 by PA

Struggling Levante frustrated Malaga in a goalless draw at La Rosaleda.

Levante came into the match having lost both of their opening games against Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao respectively, conceding a total of five goals, leaving coach Jose Luis Mendilibar under pressure.

However, defensive frailties in those encounters failed to be repeated on Saturday as Malaga failed to really test visiting stopper Jesus Fernandez.

And although Levante failed to find the net for the first time this season Mendilibar will take positives from keeping a clean sheet against a Malaga side who had beaten Atletic on the opening day of the season.

The home side created the first chance after 10 minutes when Luis Alberto's corner found the head of Sergio Sanchez, but from just six yards out he directed his effort straight at Fernandez.

Both sides struggled to create opportunities but after Rafael Martins missed the target from 12 yards for Malaga, Fernandez was forced into a decent diving save, tipping Alberto's effort round the post a minute before the break.

Levante created the first chance of the second period, but from Antonio Tono's corner, Loukas Vyntra headed over.

Frustrated by his side's lack of creativity, home coach Javi Gracia made a double change after 55 minutes bringing on forwards Nordin Amrabat and Samu Castillejo for Alberto and Ricardo Horta.

And it was Horta who created Malaga's next chance when Weligton connected with his corner, only for the effort to sail wide of the post.

Luis Morales skied an effort over the bar from just six yards out for the visitors with 10 minutes remaining.

Vitorino Antunes missed the target with a 20-yard free kick in injury time, but Malaga failed to test Fernandez further in what was a very disappointing performance from the hosts.