The impact of Luís Castro at Levante is remarkable. Since the arrival of the Portuguese coach, Levante has accumulated 16 points and has decisively re-entered the fight for survival in La Liga. The Orriols team now has new reasons to believe in a goal that once seemed impossible. The Spanish press is amazed by the work of the former Benfica coach, who took over on December 20, 2025, just days after being dismissed from Nantes, stating that if he had been hired last summer, staying in the top tier of Spanish football would not even be a discussion. Currently, the reality shows a Levante heading into the competitive break just three points above the relegation zone. During Castro's worst phase in February, the gap to safety was as much as 8 points. The feeling now, after a recent run of 8 points out of a possible 12, is that the team could have accumulated even more during that period. Recent success is not only due to the points but also to the personality demonstrated by Castro in his decisions, according to the Spanish press. The coach did not hesitate to bet on Carlos Espí, a young 20-year-old forward, who has scored 9 goals in less than 700 minutes on the pitch, even when Etta Eyong was seen as one of the project's references upon his arrival. He also gave opportunities in the first team to young players from the Buñol academy, such as Kareem Tunde and Paco Cortés. Furthermore, the team has always responded positively to important absences, such as those of Pablo Martínez and Carlos Álvarez, the latter linked to Benfica during the summer, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity. Another aspect to highlight is the recovery of players who were previously sidelined. Oriol Rey, for example, established himself in midfield after being unused for eight games by Castro, even being left out of matchday squads. The Portuguese coach has shown that he gives second chances to those who respond with hard work and attitude, as is also the case with Manu Sánchez, who started the season behind Pampín and is now an undisputed starter at left-back. Other names like Iker Losada, Olasagasti, and Matturro have also gained new life under his guidance. There are still nine matches left until the end of the season, with 27 points at stake, so everything is still open. Next up is an away match against Real Sociedad, featuring Gonçalo Guedes, followed by a home game against Getafe, with both opponents fighting for European competition spots. However, Levante is the 7th most in-form team in La Liga and is on a four-match unbeaten streak (two draws against Rayo Vallecano and Girona, and two victories against Oviedo and Alavés).
Spain Amazed Levante The remains central to this story.
Spain Amazed Levante The remains central to this story.
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