(Reuters) - Sevilla roared back to life from a slump in La Liga by thrashing Levante 5-0 at home on Saturday, scoring all their goals in the second half for a first win in five league games which took them back up to third in the standings.
Pablo Machin's side had been boosted by a 2-0 victory over Barcelona in a Copa del Rey quarter-final, first leg on Wednesday but could not break down Levante until French forward Wissam Ben Yedder fired into the bottom corner from a tight angle in the 48th minute.
Levante, who had been hammered 6-2 by Sevilla earlier in the season, almost levelled a few minutes later when a shot from Enis Bardhi took a wild deflection and bounced off the post.
The home side quickly punished Levante by doubling their lead on the hour mark with a simple finish from top scorer Andre Silva, created by in-form Dutch winger Quincy Promes.
Levante appeared to give up after the second goal and Sevilla showed no mercy, further stretching their advantage with a goal from Franco Vazquez and a penalty from Pablo Sarabia.
They were awarded a second spot kick in stoppage time and Sarabia handed the ball to Promes, who had not scored a single league goal for the club.
The Dutchman saw his penalty saved but reacted quickly to knock the ball high into the net on the rebound, giving Sevilla their biggest win of the campaign.
Sevilla are third in the standings, level on 36 points with fourth-placed Real Madrid who visit Espanyol on Sunday. Barcelona, who play at Girona on Sunday, lead the table with 46.
(Reporting by Richard Martin; Editing by Toby Davis)