Athletic Bilbao vs Levante - Predictions, Stats & Odds

Athletic Bilbao secured a thrilling 4-2 victory over Levante in their La Liga clash on Sunday, 8 February 2026. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Bilbao capitalizing on an early advantage after Levante's Alan Matturro was sent off in the 17th minute. This red card set the tone for the game, allowing Bilbao to dominate possession and create numerous scoring opportunities. Gorka Guruzeta was the standout performer for Athletic Bilbao, netting twice in quick succession in the first half (29', 34') to give his team a commanding lead. His clinical finishing was instrumental in putting Bilbao in control of the match. Despite being a man down, Levante showed resilience and managed to pull one back through Unai Elgezabal in the 81st minute, sparking hopes of a comeback. However, Bilbao's Nico Serrano restored the two-goal cushion with a strike in the 86th minute, followed by Robert Navarro's goal in the 90th minute, which effectively sealed the victory. Levante's Jon Ander Olasagasti managed to score a consolation goal in stoppage time, but it was too little, too late for the visitors. Tactically, Bilbao's ability to exploit the numerical advantage was evident, as they pressed high and maintained pressure on Levante's defense. The home team manager made strategic substitutions, bringing in fresh legs like Robert Navarro and Unai Gómez, which paid dividends in the latter stages of the match. For Levante, the early red card was a significant setback, and despite their spirited effort, they struggled to cope with Bilbao's attacking prowess. The away team's head coach made several changes, introducing players like Jon Ander Olasagasti and Carlos Espí, but the damage was already done. This victory propels Athletic Bilbao further up the La Liga table, boosting their momentum as they aim for a strong finish to the season. Levante, on the other hand, will need to regroup and address their defensive frailties to improve their league standing.