BILBAO, SPAIN — In the cauldron of San Mamés, where Basque passion meets Spanish football tradition, Athletic Club delivered a stoppage-time masterclass to secure a dramatic 4-2 victory over struggling Levante. Robert Navarro's 99th-minute strike sealed three precious points in a contest that threatened to unravel before exploding into chaos in the final moments.
The opening exchanges suggested a routine afternoon for the hosts, sitting 8th with 24 points against visitors languishing in 19th place. Athletic Club enjoyed the majority of possession at 55.4%, probing for openings against a Levante side desperate for survival points. The breakthrough arrived in the 29th minute when Gorka Guruzeta rose majestically to meet Íñigo Ruíz de Galarreta's delivery, powering a header from the centre of the box into the bottom right corner. The Basque striker's clinical finish sent the home faithful into raptures.
Five minutes later, Guruzeta doubled his tally and Athletic's advantage. Iñaki Williams, ever the provider, threaded a perfectly weighted through ball following a devastating fast break. Guruzeta made no mistake, rifling a right-footed shot from the right side of the box past Mathew Ryan to make it 2-0. The statistics reflected Athletic's dominance: they would finish with 22 shots compared to Levante's meager six, a testament to their attacking intent throughout.
The second half descended into a war of attrition as Levante fought for survival. Athletic's control seemed absolute until the 81st minute when Unai Elgezabal pulled one back for the visitors, drilling a right-footed effort from the centre of the box into the top right corner following a corner. The goal injected life into Levante's resistance, and suddenly San Mamés grew anxious.
Nico Serrano appeared to have settled nerves in the 86th minute, slotting home from the right side of the box after excellent work from substitute Selton Sánchez. At 3-1, the points seemed secure. But football's capacity for drama knows no bounds. Jon Olasagasti stunned the home crowd in the 94th minute, curling a magnificent left-footed strike from outside the box into the top left corner. At 3-2 with minutes remaining, Levante sensed an improbable point.
The tension was unbearable as Athletic launched wave after wave forward. Levante, reduced to nine men after Jeremy Toljan's yellow card added to their disciplinary woes, defended desperately. Then, in the 99th minute, Williams turned provider once more. His through ball found Navarro, who kept his composure to slot a left-footed shot from the centre of the box into the bottom right corner. San Mamés erupted as Athletic finally secured the victory their dominance deserved.
The numbers tell the story of Athletic's superiority. Beyond the 22-6 shot advantage, they registered seven efforts on target to Levante's three. Mikel Jauregizar and Íñigo Ruíz de Galarreta controlled midfield, while the Williams brothers tormented Levante's backline throughout. Aitor Paredes and Adama Boiro marshaled the defense, though they endured nervous moments as Levante rallied. Unai Simón made a crucial save in the 59th minute, denying Iván Romero's audacious long-range effort that tested the Athletic goalkeeper's reflexes.
For Levante, the defeat leaves them mired in the relegation zone with just 14 points from 18 matches. Their goal difference of minus-nine reflects a season of struggle, and despite showing commendable spirit in the closing stages, defensive fragility continues to haunt them. Kervin Arriaga battled valiantly in midfield before departing injured in stoppage time, while Mathew Ryan made three saves but couldn't prevent the onslaught.
Athletic's victory, their seventh of the campaign, moves them to 24 points as they eye a push toward European contention. The performance showcased their attacking prowess, with Guruzeta's brace taking his season tally higher and the Williams brothers demonstrating why they remain central to Athletic's ambitions. Manager Ernesto Valverde's substitutions proved decisive, with Navarro and Serrano both finding the net after entering the fray.
The match statistics painted a picture of dominance: Athletic's 55.4% possession translated into territorial control, while their four corners matched Levante's three. The disciplinary count told another story, with Athletic committing 17 fouls to Levante's 10, earning two yellow cards in the process. Levante's red card compounded their misery, leaving them undermanned for the crucial final stages.
This victory caps a solid run for Athletic, who have shown resilience after mixed results earlier in the campaign. Their ability to create chances—22 shots represents their attacking ambition—bodes well for upcoming challenges. Guruzeta's form is particularly encouraging, his movement and finishing providing the focal point Athletic's attack requires.
The atmosphere at San Mamés reflected the drama unfolding on the pitch. From Guruzeta's early dominance to the nerve-shredding finale, the Basque faithful witnessed a microcosm of football's unpredictability. When Olasagasti's stunning strike made it 3-2, the stadium held its breath. Navarro's late heroics ensured the afternoon ended in celebration rather than frustration.
The tactical battle saw Athletic's high press overwhelm Levante's attempts to build from the back. Williams' pace on the counter-attack proved devastating, particularly for Guruzeta's second goal. Levante's substitutions—bringing on Unai Elgezabal, Jon Olasagasti, and Carlos Espí—briefly altered momentum, but numerical disadvantage ultimately proved insurmountable.
Brighter days lie ahead, starting with their next challenges as both clubs navigate the demanding Spanish football calendar.