In football, few stories capture the imagination quite like the return of a club legend. For Levante UD, this season’s biggest headline is the homecoming of José Luis Morales, the man affectionately known as El Comandante. After a two-year stint with Villarreal, the 36-year-old forward has returned to the Estadi Ciutat de València, ready to roll back the years and lead Levante’s charge for promotion from Liga Segunda.
Morales wasted no time in making his presence felt. In his first game back, away at Cartagena’s Municipal Stadium Cartagonova, he scored the decisive goal in a 1-0 win. This moment not only marked his triumphant return but also cemented Levante’s place as serious contenders for promotion. With two wins and two draws already under their belt, Levante are positioning themselves as one of the favorites to climb back into La Liga, and Morales is the man to get them there.
A Familiar Face, A New Era
Morales’ return is not just a boost to Levante’s attacking prowess; it’s a statement. The forward spent over a decade with Levante, racking up an astonishing 311 appearances, 63 goals, and countless memorable moments. His departure to Villarreal in 2022 was bittersweet for Levante fans, who watched their talisman leave after the club’s relegation from La Liga. In his own words, Morales explained his decision to leave for Villarreal:
“The call from Emery and his help was important in accepting the offer from Villarreal,” Morales told Cadena Ser. “It was not an easy decision. I slept very little, especially when I went to inform the club of the departure. With this decision, I sought to find my limit as a professional.”
But now, Morales is back, and his return signals unfinished business. He’s come home not just to relive past glories, but to create new ones.
Levante struggled with goals last season, a problem that plagued their campaign as they fell short of automatic promotion. Mohamed Bouldini, the team’s top scorer, could only manage eight goals in the league before leaving the club. The absence of a reliable goal scorer haunted Levante, but the return of Morales may finally solve that problem. The legend is back to reclaim his place as the heart and soul of the team, a talisman who can provide the cutting edge that was missing last season.
The Support Cast: Brugué and Kochorashvili
Morales won’t be shouldering the burden alone. Roger Brugué, a winger with a knack for creativity, will undoubtedly play a key role alongside the returning hero. Brugué, who has shown flashes of brilliance, is a player capable of both scoring and setting up goals, and his partnership with Morales promises to be one of the most exciting in Spanish football today.
Another key figure in Levante’s promotion push is Giorgi Kochorashvili. The Georgian midfielder has been a revelation in the center of the park, dictating play and providing stability. Morales is sure to thrive with Kochorashvili pulling the strings behind him, as the two complement each other’s strengths—one with the creativity to unlock defenses, and the other with the experience and finishing to punish them.
With these pieces in place, Levante looks far better equipped to handle the challenges of Segunda Liga. Their ability to create chances will be bolstered by Morales’ clinical finishing and Brugué’s dynamism on the wing.
A Legend Returns to Finish What He Started
Morales’ decision to leave Levante in 2022 for Villarreal was a professional one, made with the allure of European football in mind. During his two seasons at Villarreal CF, Morales made 80 appearances, contributing 25 goals and six assists across all competitions, including the UEFA Europa League. He experienced success, but the itch to return to the club of his heart never left him.
“That day I spoke with my heart in my hand, I said it because I felt it,” Morales remarked on his initial intention to stay with Levante after their relegation. “But from the time I said it until I left, things happen, and circumstances arose that led me to make the decision to leave.”
Now, with his return confirmed until 2025—with an option for another year—Morales has the chance to lead Levante back to La Liga, to complete the mission he left unfinished. His legendary status at Levante was built not only on goals and appearances but on his commitment to the club through thick and thin.
In his previous spell at Levante, Morales earned the nickname El Comandante for his leadership on and off the pitch. He is the second-highest appearance maker in the club’s history and their top scorer in La Liga. Now, in the twilight of his career, he has the opportunity to add one more chapter to his remarkable story.
Promotion Beckons for Levante
Levante’s strong start to the season, combined with the return of their talisman, has fans dreaming of promotion once again. With two wins and two draws, the team is already climbing up the Segunda Liga standings. The squad, now bolstered by Morales, looks far more cohesive than last season’s disjointed unit.
Scoring goals was their Achilles heel last year, but with Morales back in the fold, that narrative is set to change. His instinct for finding the back of the net will be crucial, as Levante aims to avoid the offensive struggles that plagued them last term.
With players like Brugué and Kochorashvili providing support, Morales is poised to flourish. His experience, leadership, and finishing ability will make Levante one of the teams to watch in Spanish football. Their sights are firmly set on promotion, and with Morales leading the charge, there’s every reason to believe they’ll get there.
As Spanish football today gears up for another thrilling season in the second tier, one thing is clear: Levante are not here to linger in Liga Segunda. They are on a mission, and José Luis Morales is back to lead them to the promised land of La Liga once more.
“Header photo” by Francesc Fort is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
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