(EFE).- Valencia took the three points in the derby at Mestalla against Levante in an intense and controversial match that Valencia could not resolve until the second half against a good rival that fought hard for their defeat.
After a balanced first half, Valencia, after doubts at the beginning of the second half, gradually improved and won the derby, which was accompanied by controversy due to a disallowed goal for Levante with the score tied at one, and after which Valencia scored their second goal.
Levante started better than Valencia, which showed some uncertainty in the early stages of the game, perhaps influenced by the insecurity generated by their recent games and results, in which they suffered six defeats in a row.
Despite the good intentions of López Muñiz's team, it was Valencia who took the lead after seventeen minutes thanks to a goal from Santi Mina following a corner kick, although Levante responded immediately with a goal from Postigo, one minute later.
The game opened up completely, with both teams having chances, although Valencia was slightly more dangerous than Levante, who defended well and tried to surprise their opponent with a counterattack, which Ivi almost achieved just over half an hour into the game, but after beating Gabriel, he saw his shot blocked by Vezo.
Valencia had the ball under control but, apart from a cross from Vietto from the baseline that found no one to finish it off, they did not pose much of a threat to Oier's goal.
However, towards the end of the first half, Santi Mina came close to breaking the deadlock with a shot that hit the crossbar after a good play and pass from Gayá on the left.
After an evenly matched start to the second half, Levante, faced with slow and inaccurate play, looked for Valencia's goal, but just when the visiting team was at their best, Valencia scored their second goal, shortly after a controversial goal was disallowed for Levante.
Thus, Valencia took the lead again after a great play by Soler, who beat two defenders, and although his shot was saved by Oier, as well as a second attempt by Santi Mina, Vietto took advantage of the rebound to score.
However, just before that, a controversial play took place in Valencia's penalty area when the referee signaled a foul on Gayà, even though it seemed that Gabriel had pushed his own teammate. After this action, Coke headed the ball into the net, but the referee had already called the foul.
The intensity of the game increased and Kondogbia came close to increasing Valencia's lead with a shot from outside the box that was saved by Oier, although Levante did not give up and sought for the equalizer.
But towards the end of the game, Valencia had their best moments, with continuous attacks and Portuguese player Guedes as the standout player, as he troubled the defense. However, the home team hit the post and Oier in their attempt to score the third goal.
Finally, Valencia scored their third and final goal from a penalty committed on Zaza, which Parejo converted one minute before full time, rewarding the home team's insistence in the last fifteen minutes.