Europa League: Levante 2-2 Hannover

In what was a decisive match in terms of which of the two sides will finish at the group, Levante had the most to gain in the €600,000 given to the winner, but allowed the Germans to jump out to an early lead from which the Valencians were able recover, but it wasn’t enough to finish at the top of the group.

•  By Tom Conn       Follow @TomConnISF

Levante, being the defensive-minded squad appeared to have Hannover handled, not allowing a single shot in the first 15 minutes, but it only took one single shot from Lars Stindl to put the visitors up 0-1 just 18 minutes into the match.

Hannover maintained pressure on Valencia and in the 26^th minute, it was Stindl again who wreaked havoc on the Levante defence, only this time providing an assist to Didier Ya Konan to put Hannover up 0-2.

Neither side has a single shot following the second Hannover goal, however, that would all change after the break.

Levante came out with a spark that was obviously missing in the first half, as they pelted the Hannover defence with two quick shots, before scoring their first goal of the evening, courtesy of Angel from a set piece situation, putting Levante within one.

However, Levante were unable to capitalize as both traded blows but were unable to convert.

Levante manager, Juan Ignacio Martinez continued to make changes, hoping to find two more goals, a monumental task against a talented Hannover defence.

In the end, Levante were saved by an incredible Vicente Iborra header from yet another set piece situation, salvaging a point and avenging their first half struggles.

In the end, Levante will lament their first half defensive miscues, but can be satisfied by their performance in the second half, while Hannover move on as leaders of the group.