Athletic Club manager Gaizka Garitano lauded the impact of the substitutions and young players in Saturday’s 2-1 win against Sevilla FC at San Mamés.
Captain Iker Muniain and youngster Oihan Sancet came off the bench to score in the last 15 minutes, firing Athletic to a well-deserved comeback victory.
“This club always places its trust in young players and today they responded,” Garitano said in his post-match press conference. “We’ve never doubted ourselves. This was a victory built on belief.”
He continued: “We played well today. We’re very happy, this is an important win for us.”
Garitano admitted the plan was to “play the match at a high pace” and said he was pleased with how the team adapted throughout the 90 minutes.
“It was a back-and-forth encounter and we knew the first half would be more physical,” Garitano added. “They started better, but we improved as the match went on. The team kept growing into the game and finished it off at a great level.”
Highlights I Levante UD 1-1 Athletic Club (LaLiga Matchday 25)
First Team
A game of two penalties, as both sides get a point
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Marcelino bemoaned the defensive mistakes that led to Levante’s goal
Athletic held to frustrating draw by Levante
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Despite constantly threatening, Athletic only pick up one point from a match where both goals came from the penalty spot
Confirmed line-ups: Levante UD vs Athletic Club
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The XI’s for tonight’s LaLiga match at the Ciutat de Valéncia
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When and where to watch Athletic’s upcoming LaLiga match against Levante UD
Marcelino: “We’re focused on winning tomorrow”
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Marcelino looks ahead to Friday night’s LaLiga Santander match against Levante UD
Squad list: Levante UD vs Athletic Club (LaLiga Matchday 25)
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Marcelino has called up 23 players for Friday night’s clash with Levante UD at the Ciutat de València
A big week against Levante
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Athletic will face Levante twice in six days, starting with a LaLiga fixture on Friday (21:00 CET)
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Raúl García signs contract extension until 2022
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The agreement includes an option for a further season depending on a number of targets.