Osasuna and Levante played out an entertaining 0-0 draw at El Sadar on Monday with Levante goalkeeper Mathew Ryan producing a superb performance to keep the hosts from finding the breakthrough.
The match may have ended without a goal, but chances were plentiful for both sides.
Osasuna registered seven shots on target, while Levante created several dangerous openings of their own and twice came close to breaking the deadlock.
Osasuna started brightly and repeatedly tested the Levante defence from wide areas.
Their aerial approach caused problems, with Ante Budimir proving particularly influential.
The Croatian striker had four attempts, put two on target and saw one effort strike the post.
Despite having less of the ball in the opening period, Levante created the more threatening chances according to expected-goals figures.
The visitors recorded an 0.88 xG in the first half, while their attacking pressure included two big chances and an effort that struck the woodwork.
Ryan, however, was in outstanding form.
The Levante goalkeeper made seven saves over the 90 minutes, including five from inside the penalty area, repeatedly frustrating Osasuna whenever the home side appeared ready to take control.
His performance earned him a 9.0 Sofascore rating and ultimately proved decisive in securing a point for the visitors.
Levante enjoyed 54% possession and completed 335 accurate passes compared with Osasuna’s 271.
They also made more entries into the final third, although their crossing remained a weakness, with only three of 23 deliveries finding their intended target.
Osasuna were more effective from the wings, completing 11 of 23 crosses, while also dominating the aerial battle with a 64% success rate.
The hosts finished with a slight advantage in overall shots, 12-11, and dominated shots on target 7-1.
Yet Levante produced the higher overall xG at 1.33 compared with Osasuna’s 0.67, underlining how closely matched the contest was in terms of quality chances.
Both teams missed two big chances and hit the woodwork once, ensuring the game remained tense until the final whistle.
Ryan’s contribution was not limited to his saves.
He completed 22 of 24 passes, found his target with six of eight long balls and made two high claims as Levante’s defence absorbed sustained pressure.
Aïssa Mandi also impressed for the visitors, recording nine clearances and winning five aerial duels, while Adrián de la Fuente provided composure in possession.
Osasuna’s Alejandro Catena was similarly influential at the back with eight clearances.
In the end, Levante’s defensive organisation and Ryan’s heroics were enough to deny Osasuna all three points.
