17.06.2023 23:57 h

Alaves stun Levante with extra-time winner to earn Liga promotion

Alaves bounced back to La Liga with a dramatic 129th minute penalty winner against Levante to clinch a 1-0 promotion play-off triumph on Saturday after extra-time.

Asier Villalibre, on loan from Athletic Bilbao, converted from the spot after Rober Pier handled the ball just inside his area to snatch Alaves victory in the second leg.

Levante had been poised to earn promotion even though the second leg was tied 0-0, after the first leg also finished goalless, because the competition's rules dictate the team which finished highest would be promoted, in lieu of a penalty shoot-out.

The Valencia side finished third in the second division, a point above Alaves, fourth.

However the Basque side usurped them at the last moment to return to top flight football, following their relegation from La Liga last season.