Levante’s defender Nano (C) celebrates with teammates
An astonishing injury-time brace from Ruben Castro saw Real Betis come from behind to snatch a 2-1 win over Valencia and end a run of 10 matches without a victory in La Liga on Saturday.
Valencia were looking to move on to the shoulders of Barcelona, who were later facing a top of the table clash with Real Madrid in the first El Clasico of the season but were undone in the final minutes.
There were few chances in a high tempo first half which was emphasised by the hard work from both teams? midfielders but after the break Betis took charge.
Jonathan Pereira in particular caused a threat down the wing and the Valencia defence was stretched to the limit.
A Benat Etxebarria free-kick was saved by Valencia keeper Diego Alves but the best chance fell to Castro who blazed over from inside the area.
Betis never looked secure at the back but conceded against the run of play after 65 minutes in the cruellest way with Jose Dorado putting a Jeremy Mathieu cross into his own goal.
The Andalusian side appeared as though they were heading for defeat until Castro finally found his range, knocking in a Juanma Gomez cross in the first minute of time added-on and then grabbed the winner three minutes later after running through on goal.
Levante?s surprising start to the season continued as a scrambled goal by defender Nano Rivas gave them a 1-0 victory over Sevilla which consolidated their fourth place.
The modest side from Valencia are more accustomed to fighting relegation battles but they now find themselves five points clear of Sevilla directly below them.
Levante went into the game with just one win from five games and while they had plenty of possession it was Sevilla, looking to leapfrog Levante into fourth, who had the openings.
Jorge Coke headed over early on and then Jesus Navas side-footed wide as Sevilla failed to make the most of their chances.
Alvaro Negredo had a powerful shot which went inches past the post before the break and then Piotr Trochowski inexplicably fired straight at the keeper from close range after the restart with the goal glaring.
Sevilla were made to pay when Levante stole the lead after 56 minutes through defender Nano.
A header from Sergio Ballesteros was blocked on the line by Negredo but Nano pounced to knock the ball in from close range.
©2011 AFP