Levante 0 - 0 Elche: Elche frustrated by Levante keeper

Posted Sunday, May 24, 2015 by PA

Elche missed a string of chances, including a penalty, as they were held to a goalless draw at Levante in their final Primera Division game of the season.

Aaron Niguez saw his spot-kick saved by Diego Marino midway through the second half and the Levante goalkeeper proved to be his side's most important player, making a number of fine saves to ensure his side did not sign off the season with a defeat.

Elche finish the season in 13th place on 41 points, while Levante end the campaign a place lower, on 37 points.

Fran Escriba's side secured top-flight survival three weeks previously by winning at Malaga but lost their next two games against Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao, while Levante guaranteed their La Liga status mathematically last week despite losing 2-0 at Deportivo La Coruna.

Elche's top scorer and talisman Jonathas de Jesus was suspended for the final game of the season - and the Brazilian's likely last game with the Alicante club - so Cristian Herrera began in attack.

Levante striker David Barral, meanwhile, returned from suspension, making what is set to be his last appearance in a red and blue shirt.

The hosts, wearing their brand new home shirt, created the first opportunity, working down the left hand side and back to the edge of the area, where Jose Luis Morales tried his luck but shot a couple of feet over the bar.

Elche came flying down the other end almost immediately after, with Niguez crossing from the left for Victor Rodriguez to volley at goal, but Marino came off his line to quickly to block the shot with his body.

Elche showed more initiative in the second half and were given the ideal opportunity to take the lead on 66 minutes, when Levante left-back Tono was judged to have pulled back Niguez in the box as he tried to get on the end of Mario Pasalic's cross.

However, the midfielder opted to shoot straight down the middle and Marino stayed put, parrying the spot-kick and also getting in the way as Niguez tried to pounce on the rebound.

Elche had another chance to break the deadlock on 74 minutes, as Herrera was released on the left hand side of the area, but the striker arrowed wide of the far post after taking several touches.

Herrera again found himself through on goal a few minutes later but Marino came out to smother the shot.