Getafe narrowly beat Levante 2-1 at home in a passionate 37th round of La Liga, a victory that sealed their relegation spot for the season one round earlier.
At just 19 years of age, Japan's rising star, Kenyoung Kubo, quickly became the center of attention after coming on as a substitute, contributing an incredible long-range shot to seal the win for Getafe.
Getafe broke the deadlock just 13 minutes into the match. Cucurelia sent a precise cross from the left, which was seized by Aleña, who fired a powerful left-footed shot from the center of the field.
However, just 30 minutes later, Levante equalized. De Frutos made a clever cross from the right side of the box and Melero capitalized on the opportunity with a low right-footed shot from the middle of the box.
Faced with the pressure of early relegation, Getafe boss Bodaras decided to replace Kubo Kenyoung in the 75th minute. The youngster made his mark nine minutes after coming on, breaking through the defense after a breakaway in the midfield and firing a left-footed shot from the edge of the penalty area into the near corner of the net.
After the goal, Kubo was so excited that he first slid down on his knees to celebrate, and then he kicked the radio microphone on the sidelines in a cathartic manner. After embracing his teammates, he even took off his uniform and imitated the classic moment when Lionel Messi killed Real Madrid at the Bernabeu - "sunbathing on the jersey". Kubo Kenyoung has been known as the "Japanese Messi" since he was a child, and this goal undoubtedly shows the strength of Messi's level.
It has been a season of ups and downs for Kubo Kenyoung. In the first half of the season, he was loaned to Villarreal by Real Madrid, but was not utilized by Emery. In the second half of the season, he was loaned to Getafe, but still only as a substitute. Tonight's goal was Kubo's first in the league this season, so it's no wonder he was both excited and a little upset after the goal.
