Txuri-Urdin Stunned as Levante Snatch Late Draw in Heartbreaker

Real Sociedad were left to rue their profligacy in front of goal as Levante snatched a dramatic injury-time equaliser from the penalty spot, leaving stand-in manager Jon Ansotegi gutted on the touchline.

Missed Opportunities Prove Costly

The Basque outfit had their noses in front for most of the second half and created several gilt-edged chances to put the game to bed, but their failure to find that crucial second goal came back to haunt them.

“It’s been a real shame,” lamented Ansotegi after the final whistle. “After taking the lead in the first half, we had clear opportunities to extend our advantage but if you don’t kill the game off, these things happen.”

The temporary gaffer explained how Levante’s tactical shift ultimately paid dividends:

• Introduced a towering striker (“a two-meter forward” as Ansotegi described him)
• Bombarded the penalty area with crosses
• Eventually won a penalty during the added time

Game of Two Halves

When asked about the fairness of the result, Ansotegi offered a measured assessment of the contest:

“I don’t know if it’s fair or not - there were phases for both teams. They started better, then we improved and scored. In the second half, I believe we controlled them well and created counter-attacking opportunities for a second goal, but we couldn’t convert.”

The result feels like two points dropped rather than one gained for La Real, who had done the hard part by taking the lead and then managing the game effectively until those dying moments.

Oyarzabal’s Importance

Ansotegi also shed light on the decision to start captain Mikel Oyarzabal, who was substituted late in the match:

“Mikel is absolutely crucial for us, not just for what he brings on the pitch, but for his spirit, energy and what he transmits to the team. We were clear that he should stay on until he told us he couldn’t continue.”

The draw leaves Real Sociedad’s European ambitions somewhat dented as they head into the Christmas period needing to turn these kinds of dominant performances into three points rather than one if they’re to climb the table.