Carlos Espí delivered a dramatic late brace as Levante boosted their La Liga survival hopes with a crucial 2-0 victory over Alaves on Friday night.
The 20-year-old forward, a product of Levante’s academy setup in Valencia, struck twice in the closing stages to seal all three points for the struggling hosts.
Having managed just one league goal all season prior to the encounter, Espí trebled his tally with a stunning late display.
Levante were handed a numerical advantage midway through the second half when Alaves defender Víctor Parada was sent off, leaving the visitors to play the final 30 minutes with 10 men.
The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 88th minute when Espí’s effort took a deflection and found the back of the net.
With Alaves pushing forward in search of an equaliser, Espí struck again almost immediately after, calmly finishing off a swift counterattack to spark wild celebrations among the home supporters.
Describing the moment as unforgettable, the young striker said it ranked among the greatest nights of his career.
The victory ended Levante’s four-match losing run. Although they remain second from bottom in La Liga, the gap to safety has now been reduced to four points.
Alaves, meanwhile, sit 14th on the table but are just three points above the relegation zone, leaving their own top-flight status far from secure.
