Spanish Primera Division report: Celta leave it late at Levante

Substitute Charles Dias struck late on to give Celta Vigo a deserved 1-0 victory at Levante.

The visitors squandered a number of clear chances to break the deadlock at the Ciutat de Valencia stadium and looked to be heading for a fourth consecutive match without a win until the Brazilian striker tapped home a Nolito cross in the 87th minute.

The win takes Celta up to ninth place in the Primera Division table and on to 35 points, but Levante remain just one place above the relegation zone.

Celta dominated this game from start to finish and could have taken the lead as early as the sixth minute when Santi Mina was put through on goal, but Levante goalkeeper Diego Marino made an excellent save to deny the youngster.

Ruben Garcia had the hosts' only real chance of the first half but narrowly failed to hit the target, while Fabian Orellana struck a post for the visitors on the stroke of half-time.

It was the first of three opportunities that would fall the Chilean's way on the night. Twelve minutes into the second half he missed at point blank range after a through ball by Nolito and later on he again found himself alone in the box but could only shoot softly into Marino's hands.

Marino was kept far busier than his opposite number Sergio Alvarez and had to be on his toes to tip over a corner from Nolito that was heading straight into his goal.

With 13 minutes remaining Charles replaced the ineffectual Joaquin Larrivey and Eduardo Berrizo's substitution proved to be an inspired one.

Pablo Hernandez - another substitute - played a through ball to Nolito on the left-hand side of the area and the forward cut into the box to pull the ball across the face of goal and Charles slid to the ground to touch it home with his outstretched foot.

Levante had showed little ambition during the game but were left with no choice but to go all out for a late equaliser.

Nolito should have punished them on the break in injury time as he controlled Orellana's cross in the area unmarked, but he took too long to shoot and Marino was able to tip over the bar.