in the 2015–16 season, levante was relegated after defeat by málaga and finished last. the club was promoted back to the first league in 2016–17, winning the segunda división title. in the 2017–18 season, the club secured safety in the league and on 13 may, levante beat the champions barcelona by a scoreline 5–4 (initially leading 5–1), with emmanuel boateng scoring his first ever career hat-trick. this win ended barcelona's hopes of achieving an unbeaten season. levante finished the season in 15th position, with 46 points, their best season in la liga since 2013–14.