Levante UD - Athletic Club

Athletic Club join the race for European spots after a convincing 0–2 victory over Levante UD. Early and late first-half goals from Robert Navarro and Nico Williams, put Ernesto Valverde’s team right back in the European fight.

The Lions showed their teeth right from the start. Less than three minutes had passed when Nico set up Alex Berenguer and the attacking midfielder played in Navarro to make it 0-1, though the winger would later go off injured after a heavy tackle. 

Athletic were a force to be reckoned with in the first half. They went into the break 0-2 up, but with slightly sharper finishing they could easily have produced a rout. 

Nico had two clear, well-crafted chances. The first was cleared off the line by Matturro and the second hit the post. 

Robert Navarro, with a spectacular move and a left-footed shot that narrowly missed, could also have scored twice.   

The second goal came from a great move from the back that improved with every pass. Gorka Guruzeta, Yuri, Navarro and Berenguer all touched the ball before Nico found himself one-on-one with Mathew Ryan. The no.10 beat the keeper with a wonderful lob.  

Unai Simón did the rest of the work. He made a great save from Etta Eyong before half-time and continued to be unbeatable in the second half when Julian Calero's team pushed hard.

A disallowed Iván Romero goal was a relief. And Guruzeta then had a chance to make it 0-3 after a great pass from Nico.

Xabat, the Genuine player who took part in the pre-match events, was as happy as our fans, who gave their all in the stands.

Now it's on to Real Madrid on Wednesday. We'll need San Mames at its glorious best.