Levante shock Celta Vigo in thrilling five-goal clash to climb clear of LaLiga drop zone

Claudio Giráldezs team sought to challenge Real Betis for fifth position, facing off against Levante a squad battling relegation after a difficult period in away fixtures recently.

The home side started strongly, generating an early chance as Mathew Ryan blocked Fer Lopez following a fluid attacking play.

Yet the Australian goalkeeper proved helpless against Ferran Jutgla opening the scoring in the fifth minute, with Celtas forward manoeuvring into the penalty area and slotting a right foot shot into the far corner.

This strike widened the gap to the top division for the Valencian club, though they mounted a positive reaction to the initial blow.

Kareem Tunde missed narrowly at the front post from Pablo Martinezs delivery, while Ionut Radu had to intervene to deflect Kervin Arriagas dipping header.

Luis Castros squad gained reward for their proactive approach in the 43rd minute as Kervin Arriaga unleashed a shot from afar, and Radu badly misread the balls trajectory, knocking it into his own goal.

The Honduran player sought to cause further issues before the interval with yet another effort from range, which flew just past the upright.

That said, the visitors optimism faded quickly after the break, as Jutgla claimed his brace with a volley at the back post from Javi Ruedas centre just three minutes in.

Levante refused to surrender easily, however, equalising once more via Adrian Delas excellent long range hit to surprise the Galician outfit.

The situation deteriorated further for the hosts only six minutes after, when Roger Brugue nodded in Jon Olasagastis corner while free inside the six yard box, handing Los Azulgranas a dramatic 3 2 advantage.

Brugue nearly added to Celtas misery, but his left foot strike struck the crossbar.

This vital victory propels Castros players above the relegation places, securing their initial away league triumph since January. It also halted a sequence of five encounters without success versus Celta, whose struggles at home struck again.

A victory for Betis against Elche this evening would confirm the end of their Champions League aspirations for next term, yet their strong performances away keep European qualification via the Europa League firmly in sight.