Espí, who emerged from the youth ranks of the Valencian club, had scored only one goal all season, but tripled his tally with a spectacular late show against an Alavés team that played the last half hour with 10 men after Víctor Parada was sent off.
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Espí’s deflected shot in the 88th minute put Levante ahead and he then sparked scenes of jubilation on almost the last kick of the match when his confident shot finished off a counterattack.
“This has been one of my best nights,” the 20-year-old told broadcaster DAZN. “It’s amazing.”
The result snapped a four-game losing streak for the home team. They remained in penultimate place in La Liga, but have reduced the gap with the fourth bottom team to four points.
Alavés was in 14th place, but only three points above the relegation zone.
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AP Soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer