An Alvaro Negredo penalty gave Sevilla their first away win of the season on Sunday as they beat relegation-threatened Real Zaragoza 1-0. It has been a disappointing campaign for Sevilla who went into the match without a victory in five attempts and had drawn all their previous away matches, including their last four 0-0. However, this win still left them well-placed in fifth. Injuries to their attacking players have not helped the team and Negredo, returning to the starting line-up, was a constant threat against Zaragoza early on.
He won the penalty midway through the first half after being fouled by David Mateos and dispatched the spot-kick himself. Sevilla controlled the game but were dealt a blow with Negredo going off injured after 58 minutes. They still had the chances to finish off the game, notably from Piotr Trochowski and Jose Angel Campana, while Zaragoza were reduced to 10 men in the final minute when Juan Carlos was adjudged to have thrown an elbow at Jorge Coke. Arouna Kone hit a brace as modest Levante consolidated their position among the top four with a crushing 4-0 victory over Sporting Gijon. The club are more accustomed to fighting relegation battles but a run of seven straight wins earlier in the season made them surprise league leaders. The bubble appeared to have burst as they lost three on the trot but they responded with a convincing performance over an improving Sporting side who had not lost in five matches. Sporting were defending desperately as Levante began the match with plenty of impetus but Andre Castro almost put them ahead on 17 minutes when his overhead kick came back off the crossbar. It was a warning for Levante who minutes later took the lead with Jose Barkero slotting into an open goal following good work from Kone.