Late drama unfolded as Levante's head coach Felipe Miñambres was shown a second yellow card for dissent, leading to his dismissal in the added time against Cartagena. A report by the match referee Cordero Vega cited Miñambres' unauthorized entry into the VAR review area and subsequent protests against a refereeing decision as the reasons for his expulsion.

The New Guard Rises

With the head coach set to serve his suspension in the stands at La Cerámica, the Friday face-off with Villarreal B will witness assistant coach Héctor Rodas stepping up as the main man. Rodas, a distinguished product of the Levante's academy, will embrace his professional coaching debut propelled by circumstance.

A former central defender with experience across multiple clubs including Levante, Elche, and international stints in Belgium and India, Rodas recently hung up his boots at Atlético Saguntino. His post-retirement transition into coaching saw him start as an assistant at Levante's B team before being catapulted to the first team following a managerial shakeup.

Tactical Implications and Expectations

Can Rodas leverage his rich on-field experience to command respect and tactical acumen from the sidelines? His familiarity with the club's culture and the players' potential offers Levante a unique edge as they seek to overcome the recent setback. The upcoming clash will not only test Rodas' strategic mettle but also set a precedent for how the team may evolve under his provisional guidance.

As the football world anticipates this intriguing fixture, the question looms: Will Rodas' managerial debut spark a resurgence for Levante, or will the demands of professional football prove too daunting for the rookie coach?

Editor: Emiliia Morozova