Athletic Club - Levante UD

Athletic Club remain unbeatable at San Mamés and are back in the European fight after defeating Levante UD 3-1.

Midfielder Mikel Vesga got Athletic off the mark with a diving header before Iñaki Williams and Oier Zarraga, from the penalty spot, completed the win. Jorge De Frutos pulled one back for Levante with a classy finish in stoppage time.

Marcelino’s side created countless chances. They were only held back in the first half by an in-form Daniel Cárdenas, who made several superb saves. First, he denied Iñaki Williams in a one-on-one set up by Vesga.

In the 27th minute, the shotstopper made his first great save, keeping Oihan Sancet out after the forward’s run into the box. Two minutes later, Iñigo Martínez‘s header from a corner was cleared off the line by a Levante defender.

Cárdenas was called upon barely moments later, making a fantastic fingertip save to push an Alex Berenguer effort on to the crossbar. Athletic were completely dominant, but Levante showed their bite, José Luis Morales hitting the crossbar before leaving the field on a stretcher.

Athletic were unlucky not to be miles ahead at half-time, but the Lions did not let their heads drop.

Dani Vivian replaced Iñigo Martínez in the 55th minute after the latter went down injured and soon after Athletic made it 1-0. Berenguer whipped in a pinpoint cross from the right and Vesga powered into the box to head home at the far post.

The Lions doubled their lead 15 minutes from time, Berenguer threaded a ball through for Iñaki Williams and the Panther finished past Cárdenas.

The third came from the penalty spot. Oier Zarraga was hacked down in the box and then stepped up to convert from the spot, his first senior goal for the Lions.

Jorge De Frutos showed skill to get his goal, but it was no more than a consolation.

Athletic are now four points off the European place and have seventh-placed Villarreal just two points in front.