MADRID, Spain, December 10- Levante’s surprising start to the season continued as a scrambled goal by defender Nano Rivas gave them a 1-0 victory over Sevilla and consolidated their fourth place on Saturday.
The modest side from Valencia are more accustomed to fighting relegation battles but they now find themselves five points clear of Sevilla who are 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 Nano.
A header from Sergio Ballesteros was blocked on the line by Negredo but Nano pounced to knock the ball in from close range.
In the closing stages there were opportunities for both sides with Emir Spahic missing another excellent chance for the visitors while Arouna Kone also went close at the other end.
Later Saturday, Real Madrid entertain Barcelona with the chance of going six points clear and with a game in hand, in the first league El Clasico of the season.
