Levante beats Hercules 2-1 in Spain



BARCELONA, Spain (AP) -- Levante scored twice before halftime to beat Hercules 2-1 on Sunday, continuing the team's excellent second half of the season in the Spanish league.

Forward Ruben Suarez put the hosts ahead at Ciutat de Valencia stadium, curling a free kick into the top corner of the net in the sixth minute. Juan Luis Gomez rifled in a pass from Valmiro Lopes to make it 2-0 in the 43rd.

Hercules striker David Trezeguet pulled one back in the 82nd for his 11th goal of the season, but Levante goalkeeper Gustavo Munua protected Levante's advantage with a pair of late saves for its eighth win in 12 weeks.

"With 42 points we are almost mathematically safe, but there are still games to play,'' said Ruben, whose team climbed to within three points of the Europa League positions.

Hercules' first loss under coach Miroslav Djukic left it three points from safety with six rounds to play.

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