Espí’s Scoring Streak Lifts Levante Past Getafe Despite Penalty Heartbreak

In a match defined by missed opportunities and a goalkeeper’s masterclass, Carlos Espí proved why he is currently the most dangerous man in the Levante UD attack. The 20-year-traditional forward scored an 83rd-minute header to secure a 1-0 victory over Getafe on Monday, April 13, 2026, at the Ciudad de Valencia.

The win provides a critical lifeline for the “Granotas,” who entered the contest desperate to climb out of the bottom of the table. Although the match was nearly derailed by two missed penalties—both saved by Getafe’s David Soria—Espí’s clinical form ensured Levante banked all three points in LaLiga Round 31.

For those following the relegation battle, this result is a pivot point. Levante now sits just four points away from safety, a gap that feels manageable given the momentum generated by their young star striker.

The Soria Wall and Penalty Drama

For much of the evening, it appeared that David Soria would be the hero for Getafe. The goalkeeper produced a defiant performance, most notably saving two separate penalty kicks to maintain the match scoreless well into the second half. Soria’s ability to read the shooters prevented Levante from taking a commanding lead during periods of heavy dominance.

The tension at the Ciudad de Valencia was palpable, as Levante’s frustration grew. The hosts had dominated the territory, spending nearly the entire first half in Getafe’s half, yet they could not find a way past Soria. Early in the game, a right-wing surge by Jeremy Toljan led to a Kareem Tunde strike that beat Soria but crashed against the crossbar.

The frustration deepened in the 28th minute when Pablo Martínez appeared to have given Levante the lead with a header. But, the goal was disallowed after the officials ruled the captain was in an offside position.

The Moment of Truth

Despite the penalty misses and the disallowed goal, Levante refused to fold. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 83rd minute. Carlos Espí, who has become a focal point of the team’s offensive strategy, connected with a header to slot the ball home and break the deadlock.

Un gol en el minuto 83 del delantero del Levante Carlos Espí, que lleva siete en los últimos seis partidos y que recibió el premio a mejor jugador de marzo, sirvió para que su equipo se impusiera al Getafe este lunes en el Ciutat de València y para que se colocara a sólo cuatro puntos en una noche en la que los ‘granotas’ fallaron hasta dos penaltis.

The goal capped a remarkable individual run for the forward. Espí has now scored seven goals in his last six matches, a streak that earned him the award for the best player of March. His ability to deliver in high-pressure moments has transformed him from a prospect into a cornerstone of the squad.

VAR and Stoppage Time Chaos

The match was not without its controversies. Carlos Espí nearly saw his night end prematurely when referee Alejandro Quintero issued a direct red card following a foul on Djené. However, after a VAR review, the decision was overturned, allowing Espí to remain on the pitch and eventually score the winning goal.

The closing stages saw Getafe’s discipline crumble. In stoppage time, Zaid Romero was sent off for a handball, leaving the visitors with ten men as they attempted a futile late push for an equalizer. At the other end, Levante goalkeeper Mathew Ryan remained steady, conceding only one shot on target throughout the match, a long-range effort from Juan Iglesias that failed to threaten the goal.

Who is Carlos Espí?

To understand why this goal matters, one must look at the trajectory of Carlos Espí Escrihuela. Born in Tavernes de la Valldigna, the 6-foot-4 (1.94m) forward joined Levante’s youth system in 2022 from UD Alzira.

Espí’s rise has been rapid. After debuting with the reserves in November 2023, he transitioned to the first team in February 2024. His physical presence and aerial ability have made him a constant threat in the box, a trait evident in the winning header against Getafe. His talent has similarly been recognized on the international stage, having represented the Spain U19 national team.

For a team fighting for survival, having a 20-year-old striker in the midst of a scoring tear is a luxury. His current form is not just about the goals, but about providing a psychological boost to a side that had previously struggled to convert dominance into results.

Match Summary: Levante 1-0 Getafe

The result leaves Getafe searching for answers after a disciplined defensive display that was ultimately undone by a single lapse in the 83rd minute. For Levante, the focus now shifts to maintaining this momentum. With a four-point gap separating them from a safer position in the standings, the “Granotas” have found their catalyst in Espí.

Fans and analysts will be watching closely to witness if Espí can maintain this pace through the final stretch of the season. If he continues to find the net, Levante’s survival hopes look significantly more realistic.

For full match data and updated league standings, visit Sofascore.

What do you think about Carlos Espí’s impact on Levante’s survival chances? Let us realize in the comments below.