CD Tarancón 1-1 Levante (Levante win 4-3 on penalties): CD Tarancón produced a brave, disciplined Copa del Rey performance on home soil, but Levante UD survived a major scare by advancing from a 1-1 tie after extra time with a 4-3 penalty shootout victory. The lower-league hosts led for long spells and came within minutes of a famous knockout upset before Levante’s superior squad depth and composure from the spot finally told.

Match overview

The Copa del Rey first-round clash on 13 November 2026 pitted one of Spain’s most ambitious lower-tier clubs against a Levante side used to facing stronger opposition in league competition. Tarancón set up to defend compactly, deny central spaces and threaten from set pieces, while Levante dominated the ball and looked to stretch the pitch through wide areas. The scoreline stayed remarkably tight, and the atmosphere grew tenser with every passing minute as the hosts sensed an opportunity to claim a major scalp.

Key moments

Tarancón took the lead in the first half when a well-worked corner caused confusion in the Levante penalty area. A flick-on at the near post was only half-cleared, and the loose ball was driven back across goal and bundled in to spark loud celebrations. Levante responded with sustained pressure either side of half-time, forcing a series of corners and testing the Tarancón goalkeeper from distance, but the hosts defended their box with courage and concentration.

The equaliser arrived in the second half when Levante finally turned possession into a clear opening. A quick switch of play found space on the right, and the resulting cross was met with a firm finish that left the home goalkeeper with little chance. Tarancón nearly restored their lead on the counter, while Levante pushed for a winner in the closing stages. Extra time produced fatigue and gaps, but neither side could find a second goal, sending the tie to a penalty shootout that Levante edged 4-3.

Tactical story

Tarancón’s game plan was built on compactness and patience. The hosts defended in a deep block, kept their shape well and invited Levante to play in front of them rather than through them. Their best moments came from set pieces and quick transitions, with the front players working tirelessly to hold the ball up and relieve pressure. Levante, by contrast, controlled possession but sometimes lacked tempo in the final third. Their width and substitutions eventually improved the quality of service into the box, and their penalty-taking proved more reliable when the match became a psychological contest.

Standout performers

Tarancón’s goalkeeper was central to the performance, making several important saves and commanding his area under pressure. The centre-backs also deserve credit for surviving long spells without the ball, while the midfielders covered ground relentlessly to protect the back line. For Levante, the wide players provided the most consistent threat, and the substitute who helped change the rhythm of the attack made a clear impact. The shootout heroics from Levante’s goalkeeper completed a difficult night with the outcome they needed.

What the result means

Levante move into the next round of the Copa del Rey, but the performance will serve as a warning about the dangers of underestimating lower-league opposition. Tarancón exit the competition with their reputation enhanced, having taken a professional side to extra time and penalties in front of their own supporters. For the hosts, the focus now returns to league form and the chance to build on a display that showed organisation, resilience and real cup-night character.